PhD Theses (WII)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.168.202.180:4000/handle/123456789/104

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Population genetics

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    Molecular Phylogeny and Population genetic structure of Himalayan Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in Himalayan region
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Saini, Deepesh; Vishnupriya, K.; Gupta, S.K.; Sathyakumar, S.
    The Himalayan blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), commonly known as bharal, is a high-altitude caprine species endemic to the rugged terrains of the high Himalayas. Although classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (JUCN), significant ambiguities persist regarding its taxonomic delineation and population structure. These uncertainties are further compounded by the paucity of comprehensive genetic data, particularly concerning populations within the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), where geographical isolation and environmental heterogeneity may have promoted evolutionary divergence. The present study aims to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity, and population structure of Pseudois nayaur across its Indian range, with a specific focus on populations inhabiting the eastern and western Himalayas. Employing a molecular phylogenetic approach, this investigation integrates mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers-principally the cytochrome b gene, control region and the complete mitogenome-with nuclear microsatellite markers to assess lineage differentiation, historical demography, and gene flow. Non-invasive and ethically compliant sampling strategies were utilized to obtain biological material, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife. Laboratory analyses, including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and sequencing, were followed by bioinformatic assessments using tools such as DnaSP, Arlequin, STRUCTURE, BEAST, and PopART. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed distinct mitochondrial haplotypes between eastern and western Himalayan populations, suggesting limited gene flow and historical isolation likely driven by topographic and climatic barriers. The genetic differentiation observed was consistent with the theory of allopatric divergence facilitated by the orogenic and glacial history of the Himalayas. Furthermore, the study confirms the phylogenetic placement of Pseudois nayaur within the subfamily Caprinae, identifying close evolutionary affinities with Ovis and Hemitragus species while supporting its unique lineage status. These findings have important implications for conservation biology, as they suggest the existence of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) that merit region-specific management interventions. The bharal's role as a herbivore and primary prey for apex predators such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) further underscores its ecological significance in alpine ecosystems.
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    Molecular Phylogeny and Population genetic structure of Northern Red Muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis) in India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Singh, Bhim
    Present study is based on the genetic diversity, phylogenetics, and the population genetic structure of Indian red muntjac in India and also compared with other existing muntjac. The objectives of the study are: 1. To assess the genetic diversity of the Indian red muntjacs among different populations using mtDNA and microsatellites markers. 2. To investigate the phylogenetic relationships of Indian red muntjac with respect to other species. 3. To investigate the population genetic structure, gene flow and demographic history of Indian red muntjac.
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    Phylogeography and population genetics of greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in India
    (wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Ghosh, Tista
    This work aimed to generate an exhaustive genetic database at landscape level for the Indian GoH rhinoceros which can be used for population management plans (like translocation programmes) and scientific evidence in court prosecutions of alleged rhino poaching crimes. The study focuses on assessing the evolutionary history and genetic health of each rhino bearing areas in India to suggest conservation mitigation plans at the park level. Further, it also attempts to generate an allele frequency map of forensic standards for a large trade-targeted mammal. This thesis re-emphasizes the application of genetic data for making long term conservation plans and promotes its inclusion in future efforts as proven in many other cases. The study focuses on securing the genetic diversity of extant populations of Indian rhino by providing information for the targeted conservation efforts. This study was conducted across all the seven rhino bearing area of India distributed in three states of Assam (Kaziranga National Park (NP), Orang NP, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and Mans NP), West Bengal (Gorumara NP and Jaldapara NP) and Uttar Pradesh (Dudhwa NP)
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    Assessment of genetic variation in Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor)
    (wildlife Institute of India, 2014) Gupta, Sandeep Kumar; Hussain, S.A.
    This study is focused on the examination of intra and inter-species genetic variation among Indian sambar (R. u. unicolor) populations using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA markers. Sequence variation in a partial fragment of mtDNA control region was examined from the biological samples collected from Western Ghats, Deccan Peninsula, Semi-arid and Gangetic plains. It is also essential to know the phylogenetic variations (if any) among sambar population in India for identification of population(s) for proper conservation management. Therefore, the following objectives were set forth: (a) to examine the intra-species relationship among sambar populations across various biogeographic zones in India, (b) to study the molecular systematic of sambar in order to understand its phylogenetic structure and its relationships with other cervids; and (c) to examine the genetic diversity and gene flow pattern among sambar populations. The key research questions were (a) is there any variation in phylogenic position of sambar across biogeographic zones of India? (b) what is the precise phylogenic position of sambar with respect to other cervids? (c) does the population genetic structure of sambar differ across biogeographic zones of India? and (d) what is the status of gene flow in sambar across biogeographic zones? In this study, one ancient evolutionary significant unit (ESU) of sambar was identified from Western Ghats.
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    Systematics, phylogeography and population genetics of the Golden Jackal, Canis aureus
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Negi, Tripti; Jhala, Y.V.
    The goal of this study was to elucidate the systematics, phylogeny, population genetic structure, genetic variability and the relationship of golden jackal in relation to other canid species. The study outline the general characteristics of family Canidae and golden jackal as a typical member of the family, the theory of conservation genetics, molecular genetics, and the molecular markers, taxonomic affiliation of golden jackal to other jackal species and to resolve their global higher level phylogenetic status in the genus Canis and population genetic structure and genetic variability among golden jackal in Western India, Gujarat.