First complete mitochondrial genome of the Alashan ground squirrel ( Spermophilus alashanicus ) (Rodentia: Sciuridae) from Ningxia, China

Abstract

The Alashan ground squirrel ( Spermophilus alashanicus ) is primarily distributed in the regions of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia, China. In this study, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of S. alashanicus . The genome spans 16,464 base pairs and comprises 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a single control region with a marked AT bias. The overall GC content is 35.4%. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that S. alashanicus clusters are closely associated with S. dauricus . This comprehensive characterization of the S. alashanicus mitochondrial genome serves as a foundational resource for future studies on mitochondrial evolution, species identification, population genomics, and phylogenetics.