Genetic patterns in three South African specialist antelope species: Threats, conservation management and their implications

Abstract

Genetic diversity is a fundamental measure of a populations ability to adapt to future environmental change. Subpopulations may carry unique genetic lineages that contribute to fitness and genetic diversity of species across their distribution range. Therefore, considerations, or lack thereof, of genetic diversity in wildlife management practices may result in either population persistence or extinction over time. Some management tools may pose a greater risk to a species' survival than others when populations are impacted. In South Africa, there has been great interest to translocate animals, sometimes with little consideration to the potential impacts on the species and/or populations survival. Thus, there is a need to collate scientific information to better inform decision-making and review these management practices and their effects on populations. Here, we focus on three antelope species, the blue duiker (Philantomba monticola), oribi (Ourebia ourebi), and tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus). We review the genetic status of each species across South Africa, with regards to taxonomy, genetic diversity and population structure, threats that may compromise the genetic diversity within species and across populations, conservation management actions and how they may compromise or benefit the genetic status and lastly make recommendations on possible alternative management actions and future research to inform conservation policy and sustainable management practice.

Effects of land cover changes and forest fragmentation on three species of east African mini‐antelopes

“…This situation is not good for species survival as the species require moving freely in search for pastures and intermingling with others(Yamashina et al, 2020). According toPhukuntsi et al (2022);Ortego et al (2015) andBowkett (2012), among others, a small isolated population is vulnerable due to a number of stochastic processes, such as inbreeding, which causes decline of genetic diversity Bowkett et al (2009). also asserted that most of the threatened species such as Ader's duiker have highly localised distributions because of the historical and ongoing habitat loss.The results of this study would imply that the threat to miniantelopes has been increased since they have been confined in limited areas Finnie (2002).…”