The geographic distribution of genetic diversity within gorillas.

摘要: Gorillas, like all non-human great apes, are endangered. Understanding the distribution of genetic diversity across their range is important because low may arise in small populations through increased inbreeding, and, by reducing reproductive fitness, lead to decreased chances persistence a given population. Previous studies found higher western (Gorilla gorilla) than eastern gorillas beringei), but rarely employed individuals known geographic origin investigate multiple populations. The present study fills that gap analyzing 1,161 from nine sites four currently recognized Gorilla subspecies. Genetic at each site was estimated using published data seven highly-variable microsatellite loci. We and fragmented Cross River gorillas, lowland mountain were less diverse any five analyzed gorilla levels variation within might be best explained facts they (i) exhibit larger past effective population sizes other subspecies (ii) maintain rates gene flow existence largely continuous habitat range. With regard conservation, high encouraging retention dispersal corridors between already protected areas essential. Am. J. Primatol. 77:974-985, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.