Mitogenome analysis reveals a complex phylogeographic relationship within the wild tiger population of Thailand

Abstract

We present the first study of the complete mitogenome of wild tigers Panthera tigris in Thailand. Thailand has been recognised as one of the most important countries within the geographic range of P. tigris and is home to 2 subspecies: Indochinese P. t. corbetti in the north and Malayan P. t. jacksoni in the south. We obtained samples from wild tigers in a large forest complex in northern Thailand (Western Forest Complex, WEFCOM) and from locally confiscated individuals in southern Thailand close to the border with Malaysia. Our results support the occurrence of both Indochinese and Malayan tigers in Thailand and reveal complex phylogeographic patterns of the wild tiger population in Southeast Asia.