The complete mitochondrial genome of black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor) from Hainan Island was sequenced and characterized in detail. The 16,563 bp genome was composed of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs and 2 non-coding regions. The mitochondrial genome of R. bicolor presented in this report will be useful for species identification, conversation and clarifying the controversial taxonomic status of genus Ratufa.
Keywords: Black giant squirrel; Ratufa bicolor; Sciuridae; complete mitochondrial genome.