Population genetics and evolutionary history of the endangered Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii) with implications for planning species recovery.

ABSTRACT: Eld's deer (Rucervus eldii) with three recognised subspecies (R. e. eldii, R. e. thamin, and R. e. siamensis) represents one of the most threatened cervids found in Southeast Asia. The species has experienced considerable range contractions and local extinctions owing to habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and illegal trade across its distribution range over the last century. Understanding the patterns of genetic variation is crucial for planning effective conservation strategies. This study investigated the phylogeography, divergence events and systematics of Eld's deer subspecies using the largest mtDNA dataset compiled to date. We also analysed the genetic structure and demographic history of R. e. eldii using 19 microsatellite markers. Our results showed that R. e. siamensis exhib

SUBMITTER: Ghazi MG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7844053 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature