Population genetic structure of savannah elephants in Kenya: conservation and management implications

TY - JOUR

T1 - Population genetic structure of savannah elephants in Kenya: conservation and management implications

AU - Okello, John B A

AU - Masembe, Charles

AU - Rasmussen, Henrik B

AU - Wittemyer, George

AU - Omondi, Patrick

AU - Kahindi, Onesmas

AU - Muwanika, Vincent B

AU - Arctander, Peter

AU - Douglas-Hamilton, Iain

AU - Nyakaana, Silvester

AU - Siegismund, Hans R

N1 - Keywords: Animals; Conservation of Natural Resources; DNA, Mitochondrial; Elephants; Female; Genetic Variation; Genetics, Population; Kenya; Male; Microsatellite Repeats

PY - 2008

Y1 - 2008

N2 - We investigated population genetic structure and regional differentiation among African savannah elephants in Kenya using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. We observed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) nucleotide diversity of 1.68% and microsatellite variation in terms of average number of alleles, expected and observed heterozygosities in the total study population of 10.20, 0.75, and 0.69, respectively. Hierarchical analysis of molecular variance of mtDNA variation revealed significant differentiation among the 3 geographical regions studied (F(CT) = 0.264; P < 0.05) and a relatively lower differentiation among populations within regions (F(SC) = 0.218; P < 0.0001). Microsatellite variation significantly differentiated among populations within regions (F(SC) = 0.019; P < 0.0001) but not at the regional levels (F(CT) = 0.000; P > 0.500). We attribute the high differentiation at the mitochondrial genome to the matrilineal social structure of elephant populations, female natal philopatry, and probably ancient vicariance. Lack of significant regional differentiation at the nuclear loci vis-a-vis strong differences at mtDNA loci between regions is likely the effect of subsequent homogenization through male-mediated gene flow. Our results depicting 3 broad regional mtDNA groups and the observed population genetic differentiation as well as connectivity patterns should be incorporated in the planning of future management activities such as translocations.

AB - We investigated population genetic structure and regional differentiation among African savannah elephants in Kenya using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. We observed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) nucleotide diversity of 1.68% and microsatellite variation in terms of average number of alleles, expected and observed heterozygosities in the total study population of 10.20, 0.75, and 0.69, respectively. Hierarchical analysis of molecular variance of mtDNA variation revealed significant differentiation among the 3 geographical regions studied (F(CT) = 0.264; P < 0.05) and a relatively lower differentiation among populations within regions (F(SC) = 0.218; P < 0.0001). Microsatellite variation significantly differentiated among populations within regions (F(SC) = 0.019; P < 0.0001) but not at the regional levels (F(CT) = 0.000; P > 0.500). We attribute the high differentiation at the mitochondrial genome to the matrilineal social structure of elephant populations, female natal philopatry, and probably ancient vicariance. Lack of significant regional differentiation at the nuclear loci vis-a-vis strong differences at mtDNA loci between regions is likely the effect of subsequent homogenization through male-mediated gene flow. Our results depicting 3 broad regional mtDNA groups and the observed population genetic differentiation as well as connectivity patterns should be incorporated in the planning of future management activities such as translocations.

U2 - 10.1093/jhered/esn028

DO - 10.1093/jhered/esn028

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 18477589

SN - 0022-1503

VL - 99

SP - 443

EP - 452

JO - Journal of Heredity

JF - Journal of Heredity

IS - 5

ER -