Phylogenetic analysis of Persian Gazella, Gazella subgutturosa (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) based on cytochrome b in central Iran

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Persian gazelle, Gazella subgutturosa, exists throughout arid and semiarid regions of Iran and has a key role in these frail ecosystems. Habitat degradation and population decline has placed it on the list of vulnerable species in 2008. The phylogenetic relationships of three Persian gazelle populations in the central part of Iran (i.e. Ghamishlou National Park and Wildlife Refuge, Mouteh Wildlife Refuge in Isfahan province and Kalmand-Bahadoran Protected Area in Yazd province) were investigated using parts and short fragments of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (425 base pairs). A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree separated the populations of Yazd and Isfahan provinces, but populations within the Isfahan province shared the same clade. All populations were classified as Persian gazelle. The studied populations are facing threats because of road construction, industrial development and urbanization. Accordingly urgent conservation plans are needed to preserve their genetic diversity and prevent them from falling into extinction.