5. Conclusion
The high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of the takin wasde novo assembled for the first time, with its phylogenic
relationship resolved. The karyotype of takin (2n=52) was formed via
four chromosome fusions and one translocation from the common ancestral
karyotype of bovidae family (2n=60). The very low genetic diversity
(θπ=0.00028 and heterozygosity=0.00038) and high inbreeding coefficient
(FROH=0.217) indicated that takins were in severe inbreeding depression
and endangered. These results provide valuable information to protect
the takin and insights into its evolution.
Acknowledgments: We are very grateful to the Rare Wildlife
Rescue and Breeding Research Center, Shaanxi Academy of Forestry
Sciences for providing the samples. This research was funded by Shaanxi
Province Forestry Science and Technology Innovation Special Project (No.
SXLK2021-0102 and SXLK2020-0301).