The complete mitochondrial genome of the silver-backed chevrotain ( <i>Tragulus versicolor</i> ) from Vietnam and its phylogenetic position within Tragulidae

The silver-backed chevrotain (<i>Tragulus versicolor</i> Thomas, 1910) is the only endemic ungulate species in Vietnam and among the most little-known ungulates in the world. The species currently has a very narrow distribution area and is facing many threats of extinction due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. In this study, we describe complete mitochondrial genome of <i>T. versicolor</i> and its taxonomic position within Tragulidae. The circular genome is 16,317 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region, with a GC content of 40.3%. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete mitochondrial genomes using the maximum-likelihood method confirms the monophyly of Tragulidae and the distinct position of <i>T. versicolor</i> within <i>Tragulus</i>. This is the first publicly available mitogenome of <i>T. versicolor</i> (GenBank accession no. PV872897), which provides an essential resource for future studies on evolution, taxonomy, and conservation of this elusive species.