Spatial Distribution And Assessment Of Genetic Diversity Of The Kenyan Mount Ain Bongo (Tragelaphus Eurycerus Isaaciy Using Dna Based Molecular Markers

ABSTRACT

The Kenyan mountaiu bongo (Fr(/ge/fI/J/lII,' curycerus is(1f1ci) is an endangered

Tragclnphinc antelope sub-species endemic to Mt. Kenya- Aberdare ecosystems.

This antelope has currently been reduced to pockets of small populations in forest

patches (mainly in the Aberdares) exacerbated primarily by habitat fragmentation

due to anthropogenic and disease factors. The conservation and survival of these

species needs vital cmpiricul datil 011 critical luctors such as genetic processes that

might affect their fitness and geographical distribution. The current study

examines the population genetics of the mountain bongo in Kenya using mtDNA

control region sequences. A total of 212 bongo dung samples derived from 4

populations representing Mt. Kenya, Aberdares, Eburu and Mau were collected

following track signs at designated bongo ecological home ranges. Total genomic

DNA was extracted and a 500bp mtDNA control region amplified by polymerase

chain reaction (l'eR) using MT4 and IJ161SII primers. 112 representing 53(Yoof

tile S

buffalo and a duikcr. Samples collected from Fburu and Mall forests were also

identi fied as bongo in spite of anecdotal evidence pointing to non existence of the

species in these areas. Only two mtDNA haplotypes were detected in the 112

bongo samples idcnti ficd. The haplotype and nucleotide diversities were 0.442 and

0.095 respectively estimated using Nei's method as implemented in DnaSP.

Genetic differentiation of the bongo subpopulations due to the geographical

isolation as estimated by Ncis UST was 0.075 indicating very little differentiation.

The CUITent study confirmed presence or bongo ill nil mens studied and detected

very little genetic variation. This information is crucial in guiding the reintroduction

initiative of the bongo back to their native habitats in Kenya.

Breeding strategies aimed at increasing the mountain bongo's genetic variation

such as out breeding need to be put in place to prevent the adverse consequences

associated with low genetic variation in the animals.