Researchers from Genome Research Foundation have successfully mapped the genomes of tigers, lions and leopards to help protect these endangered species.
On Tuesday a team of South Korean researchers carried out the first DNA analysis of a tiger, snow leopard and lion. For the study, they mapped the genome of the Amur tiger, and compared it with that of a white Bengal tiger, the African lion, a white African lion and the snow leopard. The comparison yielded a string of genes highlighting shared characteristics among these close but distinct species.
Researchers found that these common genes showed evidence of extreme muscle strength and the ability to metabolize a "hypercarnivorous" diet. The analysis also revealed that variation in fur color, like in the case of the snow leopard, resulted in its ability to adapt to high, icy environments.
"Our tiger reference genome can be used as the basis for comparing all the tigers in the world, so that we know the genetic diversity of tigers," lead author Jong Bhak told the BBC. "And we can actually have a plan of how we can breed tigers effectively [in zoos] to save the genetic diversity."
This new mapping can help protect these endangered species. Of the nine subspecies of tiger, authors reported, four including the Javan, Balinese, South China and Caspian tigers were wiped out in the wild in the last century. Current estimations state that wild tigers range from just 3,050 to 3,950 individuals.
"This is a significant milestone as far as tiger conservation is concerned. Till now, genetic studies on the tiger were focused mostly on single functions or genetic aspects. This is the first time that the entire genome sequencing has been completed," said Priyavrat Gadhvi, a biotechnologist from Ahmedabad, who participated in the project.