Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Indian clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)

Abstract

The complete mitochondrial genome of sequence 16,859 bp of Indian clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) has been sequenced using next generation sequencing technology Torrent PGM platform. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of clouded leopard consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and two rRNA genes and a control region (CR). The mitochondrial genome is relatively similar to other felid mitochondrial genomes with respect to gene arrangement, composition, tRNA structures and skews of AT/GC bases to be typical of those reported for other mammals. The nucleotide composition of the genome shows that there is more A–T% than G–C% on the positive strand as revealed by positive AT and CG skews. The base composition of the mitochondrial genome of clouded leopard is as follows: A, 5362 bp (31.8%); C, 4560bp (27.0%); G, 2475 bp (14.6%); T, 4462 bp (26.4%). Most of the genes have ATG initiation codons, except ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, ND6, and CYTB (ATA start codon).