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The molecular systematics and conservation of an endangered carnivore, the Owston's palm civet Chrotogale owstoni (Thomas, 1912) (Carnivora, Viverridae, Hemigalinae)
Author(s) -
Veron G.,
Rosenthal S. Heard,
Long B.,
Roberton S.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
animal conservation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.111
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1469-1795
pISSN - 1367-9430
DOI - 10.1017/s1367943003001136
Subject(s) - biology , endangered species , systematics , zoology , carnivore , cytochrome b , ecology , evolutionary biology , mitochondrial dna , taxonomy (biology) , predation , biochemistry , habitat , gene
The Owston's palm civet ( Chrotogale owstoni ) is one of the least known viverrids. In order to assess the degree of intraspecific variation, we sequenced a fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome b in 26 individuals. We identified 23 haplotypes, indicating a fairly high level of genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analysis yielded two clades supported by eight synapomorphies, suggestive of a north/south geographical divide. Recommendations for captive management cannot be made on the basis of the study results, but the high level of genetic diversity is very encouraging for both field conservation and captive breeding efforts.