Low genetic variation of Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) based on NADH5 mitochondrial gene

Understanding phylogeography and genetic variation is a crucial to enhance conservation planning of species. Due to high level of fragmentation affecting many endangered species, unveiling their genetic status is prioritized to promote long-term persistence. Accordingly, the current investigation was carried out on a wide-ranging predator, the Persian leopard. We examined sequence variation in the mitochondrial NADH-5 gene with 550 base pairs for 38 leopards from different parts of Iran. Three closely related haplotypes were identified for the entire country. Apart from one commonly found haplotype throughout Iran, south Caucasus and Turkmenistan, two localized haplotypes were sequenced from southern Zagros and eastern Alborz. Our data supported that leopards do now show spatially differentiated genetic variation based on investigated gene in Iran as well as neighboring countries and possess lower genetic diversity comparing to other leopard subspecies or larger carnivores. It is essential to enhance conservation of the Persian leopard within southern Zagros where a specific haplotype occurs.