北山羊的保护遗传学研究

清楚的遗传学背景是制定和实施相关物种保护策略的重要依据。北山羊是我国的II级重点保护野生动物，中国脊椎动物红色名录近危级物种。但迄今为止，针对该物种的种群遗传状况和亚种数量仍不清楚。前期我们通过线粒体基因研究发现北山羊的遗传多样性可能被低估。为更好的了解和保护北山羊，我们利用三代基因组测序技术构建了高质量的北山羊参考基因组。基于此，本项目拟将从以下两个方面进行研究：①通过基因组重测序对覆盖北山羊主要分布范围内的野生个体展开调查，重建北山羊的种群遗传结构和进化历史，并对当前的北山羊种群遗传状况和各亚种的有效性进行评估；②结合群体基因组和地理、气候数据模型，对北山羊的遗传多样性格局形成机制进行探讨，并预测全球气候变化对该物种分布可能的影响。项目的开展有助于了解北山羊的遗传多样性格局及其形成机制，进而为该物种的保护提供帮助。

Detailed information on the genetic diversity, specifically, population genetics, are critical for effective conservation managements of endangered species. The Siberian ibex, Capra sibirica, is listed as the Class II protected in the Wildlife Protection Act of China and classified as Near Threatened species according to the Red List of China’s Vertebrates. However, despite its endangered conservation status and urgent needs of conservation managements, little is known about the population genetics of the wild populations. Additionally, there are still controversies regarding the number of subspecies of the Siberian ibex, which further complicates the conservation of the species. In order to better understand and protect the Siberian ibex, we have generated a high-quality reference genome for Siberian ibex using the third generation sequencing technology. With these preparations, our proposed project aims to: (1) reconstruct the population structure and evolution history of the wild populations of Siberian ibex and re-evaluate the validity of each of its subspecies, through the usage of population genomic re-sequencing strategies; (2) explore the potential factors that drive differentiations of each group by integrating population genomic, geographic, and climatic data, and evaluate the impacts of global climate change on this endangered species by using species distribution modeling. In the light of these results, this project will shade more light on understanding the population structure of Siberian ibex and its formation, thus will have important implications for conservation.