Ecology and Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Mountain Bongo

Sandri, T. (2020) Ecology and Conservation Genetics of the Endangered Mountain Bongo. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University & North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo).

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Abstract

Information on population status, distributions and genetics are paramount for effective species conservation. The mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) is a critically endangered antelope endemic to the highlands of central Kenya. Although it has long been a focus of international conservation efforts, rigorous information regarding the status of wild populations are limited. This projects aims at delivering valuable information for managers and practitioners involved with the long-term conservation of this iconic antelope. The development of an individual identification system allowed the estimation of the size of remnant populations and their trend in recent years, for the first time. Furthermore, the implementation of the identification system allowed for a deeper monitoring and understanding of these populations, with estimates on sex and age specific vital rates. Results from population monitoring have informed the development of a new Species Distribution Model for bongo that relies on breeding populations to predict where, in the current range, areas suitable for breeding herds are located. Moreover, the current genetic diversity, inferred through mtDNA, of these two remnant populations have been assessed, while comparing this with that of the captive population found in extant matrilines of Europe, Kenya, and the US to elucidate on the risk of outbreeding depression in relying on the captive population for reintroduction. My results show an extremely low genetic diversity, with two haplotypes found in the wild, and only one of these represented in captivity. Moreover, I assess the influence that the relatedness of founders may have had on the current genetic situation of the captive population with the use of simulations applied to the bongo international studbook. Results indicate that the current low diversity found in captivity is likely due to an already depleted founder stock rather than a shortcoming of the captive breeding program. Findings presented here provide vital information for local authorities, managers, and practitioners involved with the development of actions and strategies for the long-term conservation of the critically endangered mountain bongo.