Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic analysis of the Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii

Abstract

The Weddell seal, Leptonychotes weddellii, which belongs to the family Phocidae, is an abundant pinniped that inhabits the Antarctica. Here, we present the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogeny of L. weddellii. The total length of the mitogenome is 16,762 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. The base composition of the mitogenome is 34.26% (A), 25.51% (T), 27.09% (C), and 13.11% (G), and 40.22% for overall GC contents. The description of this mitogenome can provide information about variations at the intra-species level and aid phylogenetic studies in family Phocidae.