Complete mitochondrial genome of the golden-crowned sifaka, Propithecus tattersalli (Primates: Indriidae)

Abstract

The golden-crowned sifaka, Propithecus tattersalli, is a critically endangered social lemur species that inhabits the restricted and highly fragmented semi-evergreen forests. In this study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of this species for the first time. The results shows that this mtDNA genome is 17 099 bp in size, and comprises 22 transfer RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one control region (D-loop). The overall base composition in descending order is A (32.91%), C (27.07%), T (27.04%), and G (12.98%), so the percentage of A and T (59.95%) is slightly higher than that of G and C. The gene order and the composition of P. tattersalli mitochondrial genome are exactly similar to those of most other vertebrates. All the genes are encoded on the heavy strand with the exception of NADH dehydrogenase subunit six (ND6) and eight tRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the P. tattersalli exhibits most close relationship with P. coquereli. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence presented here will be useful for further phylogenetic analysis and conservation genetic studies in P. tattersalli.