Polymorphic sites in complete genome sequences of Asian badger, Meles leucurus amurensis (Mustelidae, Melinae) mitochondria

The badger is a common carnivorous animal maintain ecosystem by regulating the population of their prey. However, genomic information such as sequence polymorphisms has been restricted until recently. In this study, we have sequenced and assembled complete mitogenomes of Asian badgers, Meles leucurus amurensis, and polymorphic sites were identified. A total 182 singleton polymorphic sites were identified, and the 92 sites were located in protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Asian badgers are evolutionary closed to Japanese badgers rather than European badgers. This study will provide important genomic information to assign taxon of species and to identify species of mustelids.