Phylogeography and Population Genetics of Vicugna vicugna: Evolution in the Arid Andean High Plateau.

ABSTRACT: The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is the most representative wild ungulate of the high Andes of South America with two recognized morphological subspecies, V. v. mensalis in the north and V. v. vicugna in the south of its distribution. Current vicuña population size (460,000-520,000 animals) is the result of population recovery programs established in response to 500 years of overexploitation. Despite the vicuña's ecosystemic, economic and social importance, studies about their genetic variation and history are limited and geographically restricted. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity of vicuña based on samples collected throughout its distribution range corresponding to eleven localities in Peru and five in Chile representing V. v. mensa

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6562099 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature