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Introgression and disruption of migration routes have shaped the genetic integrity of wildebeest populations

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaodong Liu

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Long Lin

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Mikkel-Holger S. Sinding

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Laura D. Bertola

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Kristian Hanghøj

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Liam Quinn

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Genís Garcia-Erill

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Malthe Sebro Rasmussen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Mikkel Schubert

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Patrícia Pečnerová

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Renzo F. Balboa

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Zilong Li

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Michael P. Heaton

    (USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC))

  • Timothy P. L. Smith

    (USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC))

  • Rui Resende Pinto

    (CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research—University of Porto
    University of Copenhagen)

  • Xi Wang

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Josiah Kuja

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Anna Brüniche-Olsen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Jonas Meisner

    (University of Copenhagen
    Copenhagen University Hospital)

  • Cindy G. Santander

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Joseph O. Ogutu

    (University of Hohenheim)

  • Charles Masembe

    (Makerere University)

  • Rute R. Fonseca

    (CIIMAR—Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research—University of Porto
    University of Copenhagen)

  • Vincent Muwanika

    (Makerere University)

  • Hans R. Siegismund

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Anders Albrechtsen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Ida Moltke

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Rasmus Heller

    (University of Copenhagen)

Abstract

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is a keystone species in savanna ecosystems from southern to eastern Africa, and is well known for its spectacular migrations and locally extreme abundance. In contrast, the black wildebeest (C. gnou) is endemic to southern Africa, barely escaped extinction in the 1900s and is feared to be in danger of genetic swamping from the blue wildebeest. Despite the ecological importance of the wildebeest, there is a lack of understanding of how its unique migratory ecology has affected its gene flow, genetic structure and phylogeography. Here, we analyze whole genomes from 121 blue and 22 black wildebeest across the genus’ range. We find discrete genetic structure consistent with the morphologically defined subspecies. Unexpectedly, our analyses reveal no signs of recent interspecific admixture, but rather a late Pleistocene introgression of black wildebeest into the southern blue wildebeest populations. Finally, we find that migratory blue wildebeest populations exhibit a combination of long-range panmixia, higher genetic diversity and lower inbreeding levels compared to neighboring populations whose migration has recently been disrupted. These findings provide crucial insights into the evolutionary history of the wildebeest, and tangible genetic evidence for the negative effects of anthropogenic activities on highly migratory ungulates.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaodong Liu & Long Lin & Mikkel-Holger S. Sinding & Laura D. Bertola & Kristian Hanghøj & Liam Quinn & Genís Garcia-Erill & Malthe Sebro Rasmussen & Mikkel Schubert & Patrícia Pečnerová & Renzo F. Ba, 2024. "Introgression and disruption of migration routes have shaped the genetic integrity of wildebeest populations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-16, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47015-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47015-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Semmens, Darius J. & Diffendorfer, James E. & López-Hoffman, Laura & Shapiro, Carl D., 2011. "Accounting for the ecosystem services of migratory species: Quantifying migration support and spatial subsidies," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(12), pages 2236-2242.
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