How genomic insights into the evolutionary history of clouded leopards inform their conservation

Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Yuan, Jiaqing
Wang, Guiqiang
Zhao, Le
Kitchener, Andrew C
Sun, Ting
Chen, Wu
Huang, Chen
Wang, Chen
Xu, Xiao
Wang, Jinhong
Lu, Huimeng
Xu, Lulu
Jiangzuo, Qigao
Murphy, William J
Wu, Dongdong
Li, Gang
Date published
October 6, 2023
Abstract
Clouded leopards ( spp.), a morphologically and ecologically distinct lineage of big cats, are severely threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, targeted hunting, and other human activities. The long-held poor understanding of their genetics and evolution has undermined the effectiveness of conservation actions. Here, we report a comprehensive investigation of the whole genomes, population genetics, and adaptive evolution of . Our results indicate the genus arose during the Pleistocene, coinciding with glacial-induced climate changes to the distributions of savannas and rainforests, and signatures of natural selection associated with genes functioning in tooth, pigmentation, and tail development, associated with clouded leopards’ unique adaptations. Our study highlights high-altitude adaptation as the main factor driving nontaxonomic population differentiation in . Population declines and inbreeding have led to reduced genetic diversity and the accumulation of deleterious variation that likely affect reproduction of clouded leopards, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation efforts. Genomic research illuminates the evolutionary history and conservation urgency of clouded leopards.
Journal title
Science Advances
Volume
9
Issue
40
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
eISSN
2375-2548
Date accepted
September 6, 2023
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright
Licence
DOI