Phylogeography of Tibetan snowcock (Tetraogallus tibetanus) in Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Data from eight microsatellite loci were used to infer the evolutionary and past demographic processes in 97 Tibetan snowcocks sampled from eight different geographical locations on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Analysis of the microsatellite DNA markers indicated that Tibetan snowcock on the plateau were geographically structured, and that phylogenetic analyses identified three phylogroups, namely those from Xunhua, the Qilian Mountains and all others. The use of Bayesian Clustering and Population Assignment analyses of the microsatellite genotypes revealed clear differentiation among the eight sampled groups of Tibetan snowcock, indicating strong isolation of these sub-populations. Therefore, we suggested that the distribution pattern of Tibetan snowcock observed today resulted from adaptation to the climatic conditions and glacial cycles on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. In addition, BOTTLENECK analysis indicated that Tibetan snowcock had recently passed through evolutionary bottlenecks. These results suggested that effective conservation measures should be undertaken to protect Tibetan snowcock from an increased probability of extinction.