Complete mitochondrial genome of the Arctic hare, Lepus arcticus

Abstract

In this study, we report on the complete mitochondrial genome of the Arctic hare, Lepus arcticus (Leporidae; Lagomorpha) a large lagomorph endemic to the northernmost regions of Greenland. The complete mitogenome of L. arcticus was 16,972 bp long and was typical of genus Lepus mitogenomes in genomic content and structure, as the entire mitogenome contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one control region. The phylogenetic analysis of the Arctic hare within Leporidae confirmed the sister relationship among Lepus species. This mitogenome sequence will provide a useful resource for investigations of biogeography, phylogenetic distance, and evolutionary history in lagomorphs.