Phylogenetic relationship of Pucrasia (Aves: Galliformes) based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences

The taxonomic status of the avian genus Pucrasia is controversial and unstable. To demonstrate the phylogenetic relationships of Pucrasia, the complete mitochondrial genome of 19 genera in Phasianidae were analyzed. The genetic distance between Pucrasia and other genus ranged from 0.124 (Tetraophasis) to 0.170 (Arborophila). Maximum likelihood method, neighbor-joining method and minimum-evolution method were used to construct molecular phylogenetic trees. The phylogenetic trees grouped all the genera into a monophyletic cluster. Pucrasia, Tragopan, Tetraophasis and Lophophorus were closely related genera, which were consistent with the shape and behavior. Calibrated rates of molecular evolution suggested that their divergent time was late Pliocene between Pucrasia and other genus. Pucrasia was shown to be pheasant genus based on morphological traits and complete mitochondrial genome. The origin of Pucrasia might have been influenced by the uplift of Himalayan and Pleistocene climate fluctuations.