Complete mitochondrial genome of the giant root-rat ( Tachyoryctes macrocephalus ).

The endangered giant root-rat ( Tachyoryctes macrocephalus , also known as giant mole rat) is a fossorial rodent endemic to the afro-alpine grasslands of the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia. The species is an important ecosystem engineer with the majority of the global population found within 1000 km ² . Here, we present the first complete mitochondrial genome of the giant root-rat and the genus Tachyoryctes , recovered using shotgun sequencing and iterative mapping. A phylogenetic analysis including 15 other representatives of the family Spalacidae placed Tachyoryctes as sister genus to Rhizomys with high support. This position is in accordance with a recent study revealing the topology of the Spalacidae family. The full mitochondrial genome of the giant root-rat presents an important resource for further population genetic studies.
Competing Interests: We would like to report no potential conflicts of interest.
(© 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)