Abstract
Intoduction Research is dedicated to the study of the genetics of saiga antelope, a species of antelope whose populations have experienced repeated critical declines in the past. Methods This study employs a combined k-mer based comparative genomics and mitochondrial genome analysis to investigate genetic variation in S.t. tatarica . Results Whole genome sequencing data were used to assess genomic diversity, revealing significant variation between samples, with 25.55–28.49% of k-mers being sample-specific. Mitochondrial genome sequencing identified 531 variants. These variants were predominantly variants of the ND6, ND2, ND5, and COX1 genes. The results demonstrated that the distribution of genetic variants within the mitochondrial genome of S.t. tatarica is heterogeneous, with certain regions exhibiting high variability, whereas others remain conserved. Discussion This pattern reflects differing levels of functional significance among genes and provides a foundation for subsequent investigations into adaptive processes and the long-term stability of the species. The data obtained are of great importance for the development of conservation strategies for saiga populations, aimed at maintaining the species’ genetic diversity and adaptive potential.