Patterns of genetic diversity in African forest elephants living in a human‐modified landscape in southwest Gabon

• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.76
• Publication Date: 2019-09-01T14:26:05Z
• Authors: Mireille B. Johnson; Lillian D. Parker; Hadrien Vanthomme; Landry Tchignoumba; Jessica L. Deichmann; Jesús E. Maldonado; Lisa Korte; Alfonso Alonso
• Keywords: Habitat Fragmentation

Abstract We investigated the patterns of genetic diversity and structure African forest elephants in a human‐modified landscape Gamba complex protected areas (GCPA), tropical wilderness area along southwest coast Gabon. collected 298 elephant fecal samples from four sites (Sette Cama, area, Vera Plains, Mayonami), approximately 80 km coastline north to south. used microsatellites mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) successfully genotype 295 samples, identified 213 individuals. Using sex markers, we 84 males 118 females; could not determine remaining 11 also characterized sex, group size, social status crop‐raiding did find characteristics distinguishing them nonraiders. Overall, our mtDNA microsatellite markers revealed that research maintain high levels variation low subdivision. Gene flow appears be mostly mediated by male dispersal away natal herds. Our analysis two highly admixed clusters, attributable connectivity among areas. However, within GCPA have become increasingly fragmented human‐induced habitat modification. detected pattern isolation distance, accentuated presence town between Sette‐Cama Mayonami. found degree sampling locations GCPA. This supports importance establishing agricultural best practices reduce loss may sever gene exchange connectivity, as well avoid human–elephant conflict can result retaliatory killing this area. study emphasizes conducting baseline monitoring demographic data, diversity, enable future comparisons assess long‐term impact fragmentation.