Complete mitochondrial genome of white-backed woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos (Piciformes: Picidae) and its phylogenetic position

Abstract

The white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) is an ecologically important bird in Eurasian forest ecosystems. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of the species was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology. The genome was 16,838 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein coding genes, two rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, a non-coding control region and a repeat region. Phylogenetic analysis using available complete mitochondrial genomes of the Coraciimorphae supported the monophyly of the Piciformes. The complete mitochondrial genome of D. leucotos will be a useful genetic resource for population genetics, phylogenetic analysis and conservation of the species.

Keywords: Avian mtDNA; gene order; mitogenome; phylogeny.