Complete mitochondrial genome of the giant root-rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus)

  • Victoria M. Reuber*
  • , Alba Rey-Iglesia
  • , Michael V. Westbury
  • , Andrea A. Cabrera
  • , Nina Farwig
  • , Mikkel Skovrind
  • , Radim Šumbera
  • , Tilaye Wube
  • , Lars Opgenoorth
  • , Dana G. Schabo
  • , Eline D. Lorenzen
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
21 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The endangered giant root-rat (Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, also known as giant mole rat) is a fossorial rodent endemic to the afro-alpine grasslands of the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. The species is an important ecosystem engineer with the majority of the global population found within 1000 km2. Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of the giant root-rat and the genus Tachyoryctes, recovered using shotgun sequencing and iterative mapping. A phylogenetic analysis including 15 other representatives of the family Spalacidae placed Tachyoryctes as sister genus to Rhizomys with high support. This position is in accordance with a recent study revealing the topology of the Spalacidae family. The full mitochondrial genome of the giant root-rat presents an important resource for further population genetic studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2191-2193
Number of pages3
JournalMitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources
Volume6
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bale Mountains
  • Mitochondrial genome
  • phylogenetics
  • Tachyoryctes

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