Phylogeography and population genetic structure of red muntjacs: Evidence of enigmatic Himalayan red muntjac from India

We investigated the phylogeographic pattern of red muntjac across its distribution range, intending to address the presence of distinct lineages from Northwest India. The Complete mitogenome analysis revealed that India holds three mitochondrial lineages of red muntjac, whereas four were identified from its entire distribution range: Himalayan red muntjac (M. (m.) aureus), Northern red muntjac (M. vaginalis), Srilankan and Western Ghat India (M. malabaricus) and Southern red muntjac (M. muntjak) from Sundaland. The newly identified Himalayan red muntjac found in the Northwestern part of India, which was previously described based on their morphological differences. Estimates of the divergence dating indicate that the Northwest and Northern lineage split during the late Pleistocene approximately 0.83 Myr (CI95%:0.53 to 1.26), which is the younger lineages, whereas M. malabaricus is the most primitive lineage among all the red muntjac. Microsatellite results also supported the mitochondrial data and evident the presence of three distinct genetic clusters within India. The pronounced climate fluctuation during the Quaternary period was considered as a critical factor influencing the current spatial distribution of forest-dwelling species that restricted themselves in northwest areas. Based on molecular data, this study provided evidence of a new lineage within the red muntjac group from India that required to be managed as an evolutionary significant unit (ESUs). It highlighted a need for the taxonomic revision of Himalayan red muntjac (M. (m.) aureus) and also suggested its conservation status under IUCN Red List.