Complete mitochondrial genome sequencing of Lutra lutra (Linnaeus, 1758) (Carnivora: Mustelidae) and its phylogenetic status in Mustelidae

We report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the endangered Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16,537 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA, two ribosomal RNA, and one control region. The mitogenome is A + T rich, with a composition of 32.2% A, 27.5% C, 14.5% G, and 25.8% T. Phylogenetic analysis based on 13 protein-coding mitochondrial genes of Mustelidae supports the conventional systematic treatment with eight subfamilies. Lutra lutra is closely related to Lutra sumatrana and the subfamily Lutrinae was closely grouped with the Ictonychinae. This study provides genetic and taxonomic information for future studies of Eurasian otters and the Mustelidae.