Chinese researchers aim to unlock genetic mysteries of the scarce Tibetan antelope
Chinese scientists have achieved the assembly of the chromosome-level genome of the rare Tibetan antelope. Their goal is to decode the secrets behind the animal's survival at high altitudes.
TroibNews 
Chinese scientists have successfully assembled the chromosome-level genome of the rare Tibetan antelope, with the goal of uncovering the reasons behind the animal's remarkable survival at high altitudes.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has confirmed that researchers from the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology and Qinghai University, both located in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province in northwest China, have achieved this milestone. This genome is currently the most accurate and complete representation of the species available.
The Tibetan antelope is vital for biodiversity conservation on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. "So, this achievement not only represents a technical upgrade in the field of Tibetan antelope genetics research, but also provides an important genetic foundation for the conservation of plateau biodiversity," remarked Zhang Tongzuo, a researcher at the institute.
Zhang elaborated that a detailed analysis of the Tibetan antelope genome will assist in predicting its survival capabilities amidst future climate change scenarios, which will enable the implementation of more targeted conservation strategies.
Furthermore, it can identify which populations of antelopes require special protection to preserve or enhance genetic diversity. "It is of utmost importance for preventing and controlling the spread of diseases in wild populations," he emphasized.
The genome will also facilitate the examination of relationships among different Tibetan antelope populations, which is essential for establishing effective protected area boundaries and planning cross-regional conservation initiatives, according to Zhang.
Since 2022, the joint research team has carried out extensive field surveys and monitoring of the antelopes, employing third-generation sequencing technology to assemble their chromosome-level genome.
Research on the Tibetan antelope genome offers a new perspective on plateau biodiversity conservation. From a genetic standpoint, the genome data serves to bridge an important gap in the study of the subfamily Caprinae species, providing valuable insights into how highland species adapt to extreme environmental conditions.
"Through comparative analysis of the genomes of other Caprinae species, such as the bharal and domestic sheep, we can trace the evolutionary history of the Tibetan antelope and reveal how it has co-evolved with the highland environment over millions of years," Zhang explained.
"These findings not only deepen our understanding of the species evolution mechanisms, but also provide references for further exploration of the adaptability of other highland species," he added.
The Tibetan antelope, recognized by its light tan fur, grayish-white face, and broad mouth, inhabits the Changtang National Nature Reserve in the Xizang Autonomous Region, the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve in Qinghai Province, and the Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, thriving at altitudes between 3,700 and 5,500 meters. These three regions are in close proximity to each other.
The fine underfur of Tibetan antelopes was so highly prized that poaching during the 1980s and 1990s severely endangered the species. By 1995, the Tibetan antelope population had dwindled to approximately 50,000 to 75,000.
However, the number of Tibetan antelopes in Xizang has since risen to over 300,000, leading to a reduction in their protection status from "endangered" to "near threatened," according to data from the region's ecology and environment department.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
The Chinese Academy of Sciences has confirmed that researchers from the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology and Qinghai University, both located in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province in northwest China, have achieved this milestone. This genome is currently the most accurate and complete representation of the species available.
The Tibetan antelope is vital for biodiversity conservation on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. "So, this achievement not only represents a technical upgrade in the field of Tibetan antelope genetics research, but also provides an important genetic foundation for the conservation of plateau biodiversity," remarked Zhang Tongzuo, a researcher at the institute.
Zhang elaborated that a detailed analysis of the Tibetan antelope genome will assist in predicting its survival capabilities amidst future climate change scenarios, which will enable the implementation of more targeted conservation strategies.
Furthermore, it can identify which populations of antelopes require special protection to preserve or enhance genetic diversity. "It is of utmost importance for preventing and controlling the spread of diseases in wild populations," he emphasized.
The genome will also facilitate the examination of relationships among different Tibetan antelope populations, which is essential for establishing effective protected area boundaries and planning cross-regional conservation initiatives, according to Zhang.
Since 2022, the joint research team has carried out extensive field surveys and monitoring of the antelopes, employing third-generation sequencing technology to assemble their chromosome-level genome.
Research on the Tibetan antelope genome offers a new perspective on plateau biodiversity conservation. From a genetic standpoint, the genome data serves to bridge an important gap in the study of the subfamily Caprinae species, providing valuable insights into how highland species adapt to extreme environmental conditions.
"Through comparative analysis of the genomes of other Caprinae species, such as the bharal and domestic sheep, we can trace the evolutionary history of the Tibetan antelope and reveal how it has co-evolved with the highland environment over millions of years," Zhang explained.
"These findings not only deepen our understanding of the species evolution mechanisms, but also provide references for further exploration of the adaptability of other highland species," he added.
The Tibetan antelope, recognized by its light tan fur, grayish-white face, and broad mouth, inhabits the Changtang National Nature Reserve in the Xizang Autonomous Region, the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve in Qinghai Province, and the Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, thriving at altitudes between 3,700 and 5,500 meters. These three regions are in close proximity to each other.
The fine underfur of Tibetan antelopes was so highly prized that poaching during the 1980s and 1990s severely endangered the species. By 1995, the Tibetan antelope population had dwindled to approximately 50,000 to 75,000.
However, the number of Tibetan antelopes in Xizang has since risen to over 300,000, leading to a reduction in their protection status from "endangered" to "near threatened," according to data from the region's ecology and environment department.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
