For the first time, the entire genome of the Asiatic lion, an endangered species, has been sequenced by scientists from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. As the population of the endangered Asiatic lion is very low, only 523 animals are present in the Gir forests, the genome sequencing would enable scientists to develop specific markers to study population genetics and get newer insights into its population status and subsequent management.
Comparative analysis with other fields and mammalian genomes unraveled the evolutionary history of the Asiatic lion and its position among other felids. The study noted that the evaluation of genetic diversity placed the Asiatic lion in the lowest bracket of genomic diversity index highlighting the gravity of its conservation status. The genome is estimated to be 2.3 Gb (Gigabase) long and is found to have 20,543 protein-coding genes.
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The genome sequencing of Asiatic lions would enable scientists to better understand their evolution. Until now only partial genomic information of African lion is available. Therefore comparative genomics between both African lion and Asiatic lions can only be undertaken once a complete genome of the African lion is sequenced. Therefore, once a complete genome of African Cheetah, Royal Bengal tiger, and Jaguar will be available, the comparative studies of all these big cats would be possible.
This signifies that the final objective of scientists is to understand species at the DNA level and study that if there are any specific problems with regard to the adaptability of Asiatic Lion to environment or behaviour.
About Asiatic Lion:
Scientific Name - Panthera Leo Persica
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
They are also known as Indian Lion. At present, the only home of Asiatic lion is Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
Threats: Asiatic lion presently exists as a single subpopulation. They are vulnerable to extinction from unpredictable events, like an epidemic or large forest fire and in recent years poaching incidents were also indicated.
