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).