New insights of zoogeographical distribution of Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral) from Indian Himalayan Region

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the present study, we explored the intraspecific genetic variation and phylogeographic relationship among all the reported species in the genusNaemorhedusdistributed in a wide range of habitats. The Bayesian based phylogeny demonstrated that Himalayan goral, is a highly diverged species from the other reported species of gorals. We claim the presence of two valid sub-species of Himalayan goral, i.e.N. g. bedfordiandN. g. goral, distributed in the western and central Himalaya, respectively. The comparative analysis with the inclusion of data available from different ranges, suggests the presence of plausibly six species of gorals across the distribution with a few valid subspecies. Further, we report thatN. griseusis a valid species and not the synonyms ofN. goralconsidering the observed discrepancy in the available sequences. We recommend all the sub-species present at distant locations may be considered as Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) and, therefore, appeal to provide them special attention for long term conservation and management.