Insights into subspecies classification and conservation priorities of Central Asian lynx populations revealed by morphometric and genetic analyses

Bizhanova N. Nanova O. Fadakar D. Grachev A. Hong Z. Mohd Sah S.A. Bizhanova Z. Sablin M. Grachev Y.
December 2024 Nature Research

Scientific Reports
2024 #14 Issue 1

The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) exhibits geographic variability and phylogenetic intraspecific relationships. Previous morphological studies have suggested the existence of multiple lynx subspecies, but recent genetic research has questioned this classification, particularly in Central Asia. In this study, we aimed to analyse the geographic and genetic variation in Central Asian lynx populations, particularly the Turkestan lynx and Altai lynx populations, using morphometric data and mtDNA sequences to contribute to their taxonomic classification. The comparative analysis of morphometric data revealed limited clinal variability between lynx samples from the Altai and Tien Shan regions. By examining mtDNA fragments (control region and cytochrome b) obtained from Kazakhstani lynx populations, two subspecies were identified: L. l. isabellinus (represented by a unique haplotype of the South clade, H46) and L. l. wrangeli (represented by haplotypes H36, H45, and H47 of the East clade). L. l. isabellinus was recognized only in Tien Shan Mountain, while Altai lynx was likely identical to L. l. wrangeli and found in northern Kazakhstan, Altai Mountain, Saur and Tarbagatai Mountains, and Tien Shan Mountain. The morphological and mtDNA evidence presented in this study, although limited in sample size and number of genetic markers, renders the differentiation of the two subspecies challenging. Further sampling and compilation of whole-genome sequencing data are necessary to confirm whether the proposed subspecies warrant taxonomic standing.

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Laboratory of Theriology, Institute of Zoology, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
Wildlife Without Borders Public Fund, Almaty, 050063, Kazakhstan
Zoological Museum, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russian Federation
Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156‑83111, Iran
School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800 USM, Malaysia
School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russian Federation

Laboratory of Theriology
Wildlife Without Borders Public Fund
Zoological Museum
Department of Natural Resources
School of Biological Sciences
School of Medicine
Zoological Institute

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