Why Tibetan antelope can live at elevations of 4,000-5,000m
on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau? In a collaborative research published in Nature
Communications, investigators from Qinghai University, BGI, and other
institutes provide evidence that some genetic factors may be associated with
the species’ adaption to harsh highland environments. The data in this work
will also provide implications for studying specific genetic mechanisms and the
biology of other ruminant species.
The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) is a native of
the high mountain steppes and semi-desert areas of the Tibetan plateau. Interestingly,
it is the only member of the genus Pantholops. Tibetan antelope is a medium
sized antelope with the unique adaptations to against the harsh high-altitude
climate. For non-native mammals such as humans, they may experience
life-threatening acute mountain sickness when visiting high-altitude regions.