ROLE OF MITOCHONDRIAL ND2 GENE IN IDENTIFICATION OF AVIAN SPECIES

Abstract

Pakistan is bestowed with the diversified avifauna due to wide range of habitats and climatic conditions. Among the avifauna of Pakistan, birds of prey are the most diversified forms on the planet. Birds of prey or raptors include familiar birds such as hawks, eagles, kites, falcons, vultures etc. But there is very less data available about the taxonomic characterization and evolutionary relationship. The morphological identification systems are not considered much reliable. The current study was designed to genetically characterize the birds of prey belonging to two broad families; Accipitridae and Falconidae, through the analysis of mitochondrial ND2 gene. The partial sequence of ND2 gene was amplified and sequenced. The novel SNPs were found at various positions in different raptorial species. Phylogenetic analysis depict that there is more diversity among the members of family Accipitridae whereas the members of family Falconidae are more closely related. The sequence of ND2 gene can serve as identification marker for other avian species which can lead to better conservation planning of endangered species of birds