Individual Identification and Genetic Variation of Lions (Panthera leo) from Two Protected Areas in Nigeria

Abstract

This survey was conducted in two protected areas in Nigeria to genetically identify individual lions and to determine the genetic variation within and between the populations. We used faecal sample DNA, a non-invasive alternative to the risky and laborious task of taking samples directly from the animals, often preceded by catching and immobilization. Data collection in Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) spanned through a period of five years (2008 –2012), whereas data in Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) was gathered for a period of three years (2009, 2010 and 2012). We identified a minimum of eight individuals (2 males, 3 females, 3 unknown) from YGR and a minimum of ten individuals (7 males, 3 females) from KLNP. The two populations were found to be genetically distinct as shown by the relatively high fixation index (FST = 0.17) with each population exhibiting signs of inbreeding (YGR FIS = 0.49, KLNP FIS = 0.38). The genetic differentiation between the Yankari and Kainji lions is assumed to result from large spatial geographic distance and physical barriers reducing gene flow between these two remaining wild lion populations in Nigeria. To mitigate the probable inbreeding depression in the lion populations within Nigeria it might be important to transfer lions between parks or reserves or to reintroduce lions from the zoos back to the wild.

Fine-scale population genetic structure of the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in a human-dominated western Terai Arc Landscape, India

“…However, the disruption of gene flow between populations due to recent (in the last century) anthropogenic activities in this region is most likely responsible for the observed genetic erosion, and inbreeding ( F IS ) has probably already affected the population. Philopatric felids that are threatened by poaching are known to have high F IS value as have been reported by other studies in viz tiger ( Panthera tigris tigris ) [ 43 , 46 ], African leopard ( Panthera pardus pardus) [ 93 ], African lion ( Panthera leo ) [ 94 ], puma ( Puma concolor) [ 95 ], and ocelots ( Leopardus pardalis ) [ 96 ]. Recent habitat loss and forest fragmentation have reduced genetic diversity and increased genetic differentiation within the Bengal tiger populations in other regions [ 44 , 46 , 97 ].…”

How have genetics of African Lions changed over the last century?

“…persica [36]). Alternatively, some studies have considered management of lions at the sub-population level [8,13,34,[39][40][41][42][43][44]. In West Africa, recommendations have been made to manage the small, isolated populations of lions as separate entities to allow for site-specific management and legislation [39][40].…”

Dual phylogenetic origins ofNigerian lions (Panthera leo)

“…Lion fecal DNA extracts from four different supposedly unrelated individuals from each of the study sites Yankari Game Reserve, central northeast (9°50 0 N and 10°30 0 E), and Kainji-Lake National Park, west Nigeria (09°55 0 N 03°57 0 E) were identified based on genotypes of nine microsatellite loci (Tende et al 2014). Details of the DNA extraction protocol are given in Tende et al (2010).…”

“…This difference reveals little or no femalemediated gene flow between the two Nigerian populations. As the finding by Tende et al (2014) shows strong inbreeding levels in both populations, it is likely that mixing the two populations within Nigeria will have substantial benefits to both populations. Our finding is relevant for the management of the West and Central African lions and serves as an important guide for future conservation and management decisions.…”