Complete mitogenome of common myna (Acridotheres tristis) - characterization and phylogenetic implications

Common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a member of the Sturnidae family with widespread natural and introduced habitat range across many continents. Acridotheres tristis population thrives in close association with human settlements and agricultural fields making it one of the most invasive bird species worldwide. For better management and conservation of A. tristis species, genetic information collected from various locations throughout its habitat range is necessary. Hence, we sequenced A. tristis mitogenome (NCBI accession no. OK542103) using NGS tools and characterized 37 genes (including the Protein Coding Genes, tRNA and rRNA) in the newly sequenced mitogenome. Codon usage analysis of selected mitogenomes investigated in this study revealed the third position of codons were mostly predominated by cytosine (C3) followed by adenine (A3). From the dN/dS analysis the strongest purifying selection was observed on nad4l (0.04 units) and the lowest on nad4 (0.34 units). The mitochondrial control region (CR) displayed identical ancestral avian CR gene order. Topology inferred from the concatenated mitogenome PCGs based phylogeny provided evidence for the clustering of Mimidae species within the Sturnidae family. Acridotheres as a genus is closely related to Sturnus cineraceus and Sturnus sericeus. The complete mitogenome of A. tristis sequenced in this study along with a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of selected Sturnidae mitogenomes provides invaluable insights and genetic resources for designing future studies on A. tristis species with conservation and management implications.