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javascript:void(0) Scat DNA reveals distinct lineage of Chinese pangolin in Nepal: Implications for Conservation and Wildlife Forensics.
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  • Fiona Hogan,
  • Faye Wedrowicz,
  • Ambika Pd. Khatiwada,
  • Janardan Dev Joshi,
  • Samuel Wasser,
  • Wendy Wright
Fiona Hogan
Federation University Australia

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Faye Wedrowicz
Federation University Australia
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Ambika Pd. Khatiwada
University of Oviedo
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Janardan Dev Joshi
National Trust for Nature Conservation
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Samuel Wasser
University of Washington
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Wendy Wright
Federation University Australia
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Abstract

Pangolins are under severe threat from illegal trade and habitat loss. Despite their conservation significance, these elusive creatures remain poorly understood, particularly in the context of phylogeography and genetic diversity. In this study DNA was isolated from two types of pangolin scat (faeces) samples (whole scat and swabs) which had been stored frozen for up to 3 years between the time of collection and our analyses. A mitochondrial sequence for the cytochrome b gene (424 bp) region was reliably generated from both sample types, for scats which appeared in ‘good’ or ‘poor’ condition at the time of collection. Sanger sequencing revealed four new cytochrome b haplotypes for pangolin, with variations in distinct sampling regions in Nepal (central and east). Comparison to reference sequences for pangolin originating from China, Taiwan and Thailand, indicated a distinct variant of Chinese pangolin in Nepal (15-19 base pair difference). Genetic differentiation of Chinese pangolin in Nepal has broader conservation significance for this species. Methods described here are robust and could be applied to broader genetic studies of pangolin populations across Nepal, allowing for genetic mapping of pangolin variations to assist in identifying populations of significance, evaluation of conservation interventions, and forensic applications supporting the fight against illegal poaching.
03 Sep 2024Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
03 Sep 2024Submission Checks Completed
03 Sep 2024Assigned to Editor
05 Sep 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned