Phylogeographic Patterns and Evolution of the Mitochondrial DNA Control

Abstract. The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and mar-gay (L. wiedii) are sister-species of Neotropical cats which evolved from a lineage that migrated into South America during the formation of the Panamanian land bridge 3–5 million years ago. Patterns of population ge-netic divergence of each species were studied by phylo-genetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) con-trol region sequences in individuals sampled across the distribution of these taxa. Abundant genetic diversity and remarkably concordant phylogeographic partitions for both species were observed, identifying parallel geo-graphic regions which likely reflect historical faunal bar-riers. Inferred aspects of phylogeography, population ge-netic structure, and demographic history were used to formulate conservation recommendations for these spe-cies. In addition, observed patterns of sequence variation provided insight into the molecular evolution of the mtDNA control region in closely related felids