A new complete mitogenome of the critically endangered Chinese pangolin Manis pentadactyla

Abstract

Manis pentadactyla is listed as a critically endangered species under the IUCN red list due its rapidly dwindling population as it is widely trafficked for its scale and meat. A mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) resource is particularly important in helping to differentiate pangolin species that are morphologically similar. Here, we present a new mtDNA sequence which replaces a previously misclassified Chinese pangolin sequence in the NCBI. The circular mitogenome contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNAs and 2 ribosomal RNA genes typical of a metazoan mtDNA. This study provides an important genetic resources for further research and forensic conservation of this critically endangered species.