Cytochrome b gene haplotypes characterize chromosomal lineages of anoa, the Sulawesi dwarf buffalo (Bovidae : Bubalus sp.)

Partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences reveal two deeply differe ntiated mtDNA lineages in anoa dwarf buffaloes (Bubalus depressicornis) fro m the studbook herd in European toes. Three matrilinear lineages of lowland anoas (depressicornis type) contributed three rather similar sequence hapl otypes, but one remarkably distinct haplotype was observed exclusively in m ountain anoas (quarlesi type) descended from one founder female. The carrie rs of the distinctive mtDNA haplotype were also distinguished by several ch romosomal and phenotypic peculiarities too. The differentiation between the mtDNA lineages of anoa approached or even surpassed the genetic divergence between some uncontested species of wild cattle, The depth of this haploty pe divergence in anoas is discussed against the background of the phylogene tic age of these paleoendemic inhabitants of a predator-free island refugiu m, Sulawesi, who are among the most plesiomorphic living bovines. The studb ook breeding of captive anoas as a safeguard against extinction might profi t from such population genetic markers, These cytochrome b gene sequences w ere unable to resolve the phylogeny of nine bovine taxa robustly, except th e divergence of Bubalus, Synceros, Bison, and Bos(sensu late) genera.