Tibetan antelopes graze on grass in Serling Tso national nature reserve in Nagqu city, Southwest China”s Xizang autonomous region, Aug 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Chinese scientists have unlocked the secrets of the Tibetan antelope’s genome, a groundbreaking achievement that sheds light on their remarkable ability to thrive in the harsh, high-altitude environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
This monumental feat, accomplished by researchers from the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Qinghai University, presents the most complete and accurate genome sequence of this iconic species to date.
The Tibetan antelope plays a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and this genomic breakthrough holds immense significance for its conservation. Zhang Tongzuo, a leading researcher at the institute, emphasized that this detailed analysis empowers scientists to predict the antelope’s adaptability in the face of future climate change. This understanding will pave the way for more targeted and effective conservation strategies.
furthermore, the genome sequence provides a valuable tool for identifying antelope populations that require special attention to preserve their genetic diversity. This facts is paramount for preventing and controlling diseases within wild populations.
A ranger feeds a Tibetan antelope cub in Nyima county of Nagqu city, Southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, July 13, 2024. A white Tibetan antelope cub is recently rescued by a ranger on patrol in nyima county, which is the first white Tibetan antelope ever found by rangers in the wild of the area.[Photo/Xinhua]
The genome also illuminates the relationships between different antelope populations, guiding the establishment of effective protected areas and facilitating collaborative conservation efforts across regions.
Since 2022, the research team has diligently conducted extensive fieldwork, meticulously monitoring antelope populations and leveraging cutting-edge third-generation sequencing technology to assemble their chromosome-level genome.
This remarkable achievement not only advances the understanding of Tibetan antelope conservation but also opens up new avenues for exploring the adaptation mechanisms of other highland species. Analyzing the antelope genome alongside those of closely related species, such as the bharal and domestic sheep, sheds light on their shared evolutionary history and how thay have co-evolved with the unique challenges of the highland environment over millennia.
These insights provide a deeper understanding of the evolutionary forces shaping highland species and offer valuable clues for unraveling the secrets of their remarkable resilience.
The Tibetan antelope population in Xizang has rebounded significantly, exceeding 300,000 individuals. Their conservation status has been upgraded from “endangered” to “near threatened,” a testament to the success of conservation efforts.
Xinhua
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