US EditionGenetic Trouble Detected in Isolated African Elephant Populations
Researchers found isolated herds in Eritrea and Ethiopia show high inbreeding and low genetic variation, raising disease risks, according to a study of 232 genomes.
- A major study published in Nature Communications analyzed 232 genomes from 17 African countries, revealing that while elephants historically maintained connectivity across vast distances, restricted space and human activity are increasingly isolating populations.
- University researcher Alfred Roca in Illinois found savanna and forest elephants followed distinct trajectories over four million years, with over 85% of genetic variation stemming from these differences, advising against hybrid translocations.
- Isolated populations in Eritrea and Ethiopia are more than 250 miles from others, Study lead author Patr noted, showing a "high degree" of inbreeding and accumulating mutations that increase vulnerability to disease.
- Genomic tools support wildlife forensics to help authorities trace confiscated ivory, Co-author Charles Masembe of Makerere University in Uganda said, adding that research aids conservation by identifying distinct population units.
- Without ecological corridors and international coordination, even protected populations risk weakening due to genetic isolation, Co-author Chris Thouless of Save the Elephants warned, emphasizing understanding this history is vital for survival.
19 Articles
19 Articles
The genomic impact of population connectivity and decline in Africa’s elephants - Nature Communications
African elephants are keystone species facing severe declines due to the ivory trade and habitat loss. To investigate the genomic consequences, we analyze 232 high-coverage genomes from 17 African countries in the first continent-wide genomic analysis treating savanna (Loxodonta africana) and forest (L. cyclotis) elephants as distinct species. We find a deep divergence between species, with forest elephants showing higher heterozygosity and hist…
Genetic trouble detected in isolated African elephant populations
The largest genomic study of African elephants to date has found that both species - savanna and forest elephants - remain in generally good genetic health despite long-term numerical declines, though some isolated populations are showing worrisome signs of inbreeding and deleterious mutations.
African elephant genomes reveal a past of continental connectivity and a future of increasing isolation
In the largest genomic mapping of Africa's elephants to date, an international team of researchers shows that elephant history is defined by the ability to move across large distances and exchange genes throughout the African continent. But as the elephants' living space is becoming increasingly patchy, the study documents the visible genetic consequences of isolation—and points to approaches that help to incorporate genomics into current and fu…
Researchers Map the Genetic History of Savanna and Forest Elephant Species
In the largest genomic mapping of Africa's elephants, an international team of researchers shows that elephant history is defined by the ability to move across large distances and exchange genes throughout the African continent. But as the elephants' living space is becoming increasingly patchy, the study documents the visible genetic consequences of isolation – and points to approaches that help to incorporate genomics into current and future e…
Elephant Genomes Reveal a Past of Continental Connectivity and a Future of Increasing Isolation
In the largest genomic study of African elephants to date, an international team of researchers analyzed 232 whole genomes from both savanna and forest elephants, collected across 17 African countries. This is the first large-scale, continent-wide genetic study since African elephants were recognized as two separate species.
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