Phylogeographic analysis reveals genetic structure of blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in India

The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats that range from open plains, grasslands, scrublands, and lightly forested areas. The current study provides insights into the existing genetic variation in blackbuck populations, which is crucial for enhancing population fitness and long-term survival. To understand the phylogeny and genetic diversity of blackbuck, we processed the pellet samples (n = 233) from 18 locations across their distribution range in India for MtDNACytb and control region. High haplotype (0.991) and nucleotide diversity (0.033) were observed in the populations. The mtDNA-based AMOVA indicated 41.73% genetic variations among the blackbuck populations of India. The results confirmed that the blackbuck has a unique haplotype in different locations that is not shared by other populations. Geographically, our results identified four genetically distinct clusters: Northern, Southern East, Southern West and Eastern central regions of India. The study reveals that an ancestral population initially separated into two groups, leading to the formation of the North and South clusters. Subsequently, the South population diverged further into three clusters: Southeast, Southwest, and Eastern-central populations. Neighbor-joining analysis suggested the Eastern-central region as part of the Southern East region, while Bayesian phylogeny indicated a separate clade emerging from the Eastern-central region at a later time. Bayesian skyline plots revealed a history of population equilibrium in the Northern region followed by a recent population expansion in Southern East, Southern West and Eastern-central regional populations. Demographic analysis suggests that blackbucks have effectively adapted to their respective landscapes.