Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of Apteryx rowi (Apterygidae: Apteryx)

Abstract

The Apteryx rowi has been listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species due to a population combination of habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals. Mitochondrial genome sequence is informative and very useful for systematics and conservation biology studies. Here, we first reported the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of A. rowi by next-generation sequencing (NGS). The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of A. rowi was 17,303 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PGCs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 1 control region (D-loop). The overall nucleotide composition of this mitochondrial genome was 31.07% A, 29.43% C, 26.38% T, and 13.12% G, respectively, and the percentage of G + C content was 42.55%. This result provided new molecular biology information to further understand the genetic diversity of the A. rowi, which will help to protect this population.

Keywords

• apteryx rowi
• mitochondrial genome
• protein-coding genes phylogenetic