# Characterization of the Mitochondrial Genome of the Vietnamese Central Highland Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

## TL;DR

This study analyzes the mitochondrial genome of Vietnamese Central Highland wild boars to better understand their genetics and aid conservation efforts.

## Contribution

The study provides the first complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Vietnamese Central Highland wild boar and identifies unique genetic features.

## Key findings

- The mitochondrial genome is 16,581 base pairs long and contains 37 genes.
- Vietnamese wild boars share a close genetic relationship with Asian pigs based on mitochondrial analysis.
- 232 nucleotide substitutions were found when comparing this genome to other Sus scrofa genomes.

## Abstract

Vietnamese Central Highland wild boars are under serious threat due to illegal poaching, habitat destruction, and uncontrolled breeding with domestic pigs. These issues can damage the unique genetic traits of wild boars, making conservation more difficult. At present, very little is known about the genetics of these animals. This study characterizes the complete genetic material (mtDNA) found in the mitochondria—a small part of the cell responsible for energy production—of the Vietnamese Central Highland wild boar. The molecule is 16,581 base pairs long and contains 37 genes with important functions. We identified unique features in one mitochondrial gene, which help trace the maternal origins of Vietnamese Central Highland wild boar populations. Our findings suggest that Vietnamese wild boars are more closely related to Asian pigs. This study adds value to current knowledge on the genetics of Vietnamese wild boars, contributing to future protection, conservation, and possibly breeding of these animals to prevent further decline.

Hybridization between domestic pigs and wild boars of unknown origins has disrupted the precious gene pool of Vietnamese wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations in the Central Highlands. However, the genetic background of Vietnamese wild boars remains largely unknown. This study describes the complete mitochondrial genome of the Vietnamese Central Highland wild boar, a circular molecule comprising 16,581 base pairs (bp). The mitogenome contains 37 genes, which encode for 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and 13 mitochondrial proteins. It has a conserved gene order, gene orientation, and similar nucleotide composition indexes to other boars and pig breeds across the world. Notably, 232 nucleotide substitutions were detected when comparing this genome with 19 previously described Sus scrofa genomes. Partial cytochrome b gene analysis revealed the distribution of Asian haplotypes in the Vietnamese Central Highland Sus scrofa. A phylogenetic tree constructed from 32 Sus scrofa’s whole mitogenome sequences demonstrated the close relationship between Vietnamese wild boars and domestic pig breeds. The study provides additional insights into the genetics of Vietnamese wild boars, paving the way for future research in conservation, evolution, and breeding of Vietnamese wild boar populations.