China deciphers DNA mystery that helps Tibetan antelope survive on plateau

Chinese scientists have successfully decoded the chromosome-level genome of the rare Tibetan antelope, with the aim of discovering the secret to their survival at high altitudes.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) confirmed on December 6 that researchers at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology under the CAS and Qinghai University had completed the genome sequencing, which is believed to be the most accurate and complete genome of the Tibetan antelope to date.

Chinese scientists have successfully decoded the chromosome-level genome of the rare Tibetan antelope. (Photo: Xinhua).

The Tibetan antelope plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Researcher Zhang Tongzuo said that this achievement not only marks a technical breakthrough in the genetic research of the Tibetan antelope, but also provides an important foundation for biodiversity conservation in the region.

He explained that analyzing the Tibetan antelope genome will help predict its ability to survive future climate change scenarios, which could lead to more effective conservation measures. The study will also help identify antelope populations that need special protection to maintain or enhance genetic diversity.

'This is particularly important in preventing and controlling the spread of disease in wild populations,' he stressed .

In addition, this genome also supports research on the relationships between different Tibetan antelope populations. According to Mr. Truong Tong To, this understanding is important in designing appropriate reserves and developing cross-regional conservation plans.

Since 2022, the team has conducted extensive field surveys and closely monitored individual antelopes, and sequenced their genomes using third-generation sequencing technology.

'By comparing the genome of the Tibetan antelope with other species in the Caprinae subfamily such as bharal and domestic sheep, we can trace their evolutionary history and explore how they co-evolved with the plateau environment over millions of years,' said Zhang Zongsu .

These findings not only shed light on the evolutionary mechanism of this species, but also provide an important reference for studying the adaptability of other highland species.

The Tibetan antelope , with its light brown fur, inhabits the Changtang National Nature Reserve in the southwestern Tibet Autonomous Region, the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve in Qinghai Province, and the Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve in Xinjiang, at altitudes ranging from 3,700 to 5,500 meters. These areas are adjacent to each other.

The Tibetan antelope's fine downy fur was once heavily sought after, leading to widespread poaching in the 1980s and 1990s, threatening the species' survival. In 1995, the Tibetan antelope population was estimated at between 50,000 and 75,000. Today, the Tibetan antelope population in Tibet has increased to more than 300,000, and its conservation status has been downgraded from 'endangered' to 'near-endangered', according to data from the region's ecological and environmental protection agency.