Molecular Phylogeny of Nycticebus Inferred from Mitochondrial Genes

Abstract

Researchers are still discussing the classification of Nycticebus. We established a molecular phylogeny covering all recognized taxa in Nycticebus to provide information for further evaluation. We sequenced partial D-loop (ca. 390 bp) and cytochrome b genes (425 bp) from 22 specimens. We separated most of the major groups except for some mixing of Nycticebus. coucang coucang and N. bengalensis. Nycticebus pygmaeus diverged earlier from the ancestral stock than the other taxa. Nycticebus coucang menagensis was well discriminated from N. c. coucang. It may be possible to explain the mixing of Nycticebus coucang coucang and N. bengalensis by the hybridization between the 2 groups in the field. Although our data did not provide direct 1188 Chen et al. evidence for or against the new proposal that Nycticebus coucang javanicus be raised to the rank of a distinct species (N. javanicus), we have good evidence for regarding N. c. menagensis as a species.

Sequence Analysis of Mitochondrial DNAs of 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit 1(COI) Regions in Slow Lorises (Genus Nycticebus) May Contribute to Improved Identification of Confiscated Specimens

“…Mitochondrial DNA is suitable at the species level, and various regions have been sequenced [5,[8][9][10][11][12]. One representative method is the barcode system [13].…”

“…For population genetic analysis, the control region of the D-loop or the partial cytochrome b gene of the mitochondria has been sequenced [8,10]. We previously sequenced the D-loop of the mitochondria (GenBank accession no.…”

Conservation implications of low encounter rates of five nocturnal primate species (Nycticebus spp.) in Asia

“…Until recently, only two species were recognised: the slow loris N. coucang, considered at Low Risk throughout a large range stretching from Northern India to the Philippines, and the more threatened lesser slow loris N. pygmaeus, conWned to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and China (Brandon-Jones et al 2004). Extreme diversity within Nycticebus in terms of cranial morphology, genetic variation, body size, facial markings, dentition, and pelage colouration has sparked major taxonomic revision, with Wve species (N. bengalensis, N. coucang, N. javanicus, N. menagensis, N. pygmaeus) currently recognised (Groves 1971(Groves , 1998Roos 2003;Chen et al 2006;Groves and Maryanto in press) with further unexplained variability within this taxonomic arrangement (Nekaris and JaVe 2007).…”

CITES Proposal Highlights Rarity of Asian Nocturnal Primates (Lorisidae: Nycticebus )

“…In Cambodia's proposal [CITES, 2007], three species are listed, whereas recent and ongoing research shows that slow lorises in fact comprise a minimum of five cryptic species, differing in dentition, morphology, and genetic make-up [Roos, 2003;Brandon-Jones et al, 2004;Chen et al, 2006;Nekaris et al , 2006]. At an IUCN Red List Primate Specialists Group Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) in Cambodia in September 2006, these five species were individually assessed as Vulnerable or Endangered on the basis of continuing habitat loss alone.…”