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

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2020

Autores

Jowers, MJ (Autor) Outra; Queiros, J (Autor) Outra; Pinto, RR (Autor) Outra; Ali, AH (Autor) Outra; Mutinda, M (Autor) Outra; Angelone, S (Autor) Outra; Alves, PC (Autor) FCUP; Godinho, R (Autor) Outra

Revista

Título: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society

Vol. 190

Páginas: 384-395

ISSN: 0024-4082

Editora: Oxford University Press

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00T-78S

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.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 12