First complete mitochondrial genome of the Saharan striped polecat (Ictonyx libycus) and its phylogenetic relationships within Mustelidae

Abstract

The Saharan striped polecat (Ictonyx libycus) is endemic to Africa, inhabiting the edges of the Saharan Desert. Little is known about the biology or genetic status of this member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). We present the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Saharan striped polecat, assembled from data generated using a genome skimming approach. The assembled mitogenome is 16,549 bps in length and consists of 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and a control region. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of the Saharan striped polecat within the subfamily Ictonychinae and supports revision of the taxonomy of the genera Ictonyx and Poecilogale.