Who killed Porthos? Genetic tracking of a gorilla death

摘要: We describe a novel application of "forensic" genetics to study key demographic event in population wild gorillas. used microsatellite genotyping and non-invasively collected DNA samples identify one individual western lowland gorilla as being most likely have caused the death another Lope National Park, Gabon. Data from relatively few genotypes permitted identification female transfer events interpretation behavior that was previously impossible using observational methods, thus providing rare behavioral data on an elusive forest-dwelling species. Importantly, this highlights need for future studies dispersal local structuring forest populations, more accurate census methods. Genetic focusing may play valuable role conservation efforts.