Genetic diversity in natural range remnants of the critically endangered hirola antelope

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Jowers, MJ (Author) Other; Queirós, J (Author) Other; Pinto, RR (Author) Other; Ali, AH (Author) Other; Mutinda, M (Author) Other; Angelone, S (Author) Other; Alves, PC (Author) FCUP; godinho, r (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society

Vol. 190

Pages: 384-395

ISSN: 0024-4082

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Indexing

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-5RW

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz174

Abstract (EN): The hirola antelope (Beatragus hunteri) is considered to be the most endangered antelope in the world. In the ex situ translocated population at Tsavo East National Park, calf mortality and the critically low population numbers might suggest low genetic diversity and inbreeding depression. Consequently, a genetic study of the wild population is pivotal to gain an understanding of diversity and differentiation within its range before designing future translocation plans to increase the genetic diversity of the ex situ population. For that purpose, we assessed 55 individuals collected across five localities in eastern Kenya, covering its entire natural range. We used the complete mitochondrial DNA control region and microsatellite genotyping to estimate genetic diversity and differentiation across its range. Nuclear genetic diversity was moderate in comparison to other endangered African antelopes, with no signals of inbreeding. However, the mitochondrial data showed low nucleotide diversity, few haplotypes and low haplotypic differentiation. Overall, the inferred low degree of genetic differentiation and population structure suggests a single population of hirola across the natural range. An overall stable population size was inferred over the recent history of the species, although signals of a recent genetic bottleneck were found. Our results show hope for ongoing conservation management programmes and that there is a future for the hirola in Kenya. © 2020 The Linnean Society of London,

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific