RESUMO
Meller's mongoose (Rhynchogale melleri) is a member of the family Herpestidae (Mammalia: Carnivora) and the sole species in the genus Rhynchogale. It is primarily found in savannas and open woodlands of eastern sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we report the first complete mitochondrial genome for a female Meller's mongoose collected in Tanzania, generated using a genome-skimming approach. The mitogenome had a final length of 16,644 bp and a total of 37 annotated genes. Phylogenetic analysis validated the placement of this species in the herpestid subfamily Herpestinae. Ultimately, the outcomes of this research offer a genetic foundation for future studies of Meller's mongoose.
RESUMO
The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is a canid species found across southern Eurasia. Several subspecies of this animal have been genetically studied in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, and India. However, one subspecies that lacks current research is the Indochinese jackal (Canis aureus cruesemanni), which is primarily found in Southeast Asia. Using a genome skimming approach, we assembled the first complete mitochondrial genome for an Indochinese jackal from Thailand. To expand the number of available Canis aureus mitogenomes, we also assembled and sequenced the first complete mitochondrial genome of a golden jackal from Turkey, representing the C. a. moreotica subspecies. The mitogenomes contained 37 annotated genes and are 16,729 bps (C. a. cruesemanni) and 16,669 bps (C. a. moreotica) in length. Phylogenetic analysis with 26 additional canid mitogenomes and analyses of a cytochrome b gene-only data set together support the Indochinese jackal as a distinct and early-branching lineage among golden jackals, thereby supporting its recognition as a possible subspecies. These analyses also demonstrate that the golden jackal from Turkey is likely not a distinct lineage due to close genetic relationships with golden jackals from India and Israel.
