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Genetic restoration of black rhinoceroses in South Africa: conservation implications

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Abstract

Globally, wildlife populations are becoming increasingly small and isolated. Both processes contribute to an elevated risk of extinction, notably due to genetic factors related to inbreeding depression and a loss of adaptive potential. Wildlife translocation is a valuable conservation tool to reintroduce species to previously occupied areas, or augment existing populations with genetically divergent animals, thereby improving the viability of endangered populations. However, understanding the genetic implications of mixing gene pools is key to avoid the risk of outbreeding depression, and to maximise translocation effectiveness. In this study we used mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA collected from 110 black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis minor) in Kruger National Park, South Africa, to determine levels of genetic diversity, inbreeding and relatedness. We compared this diversity with the two source populations (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and Zambezi River, Zimbabwe) using data from previously published studies, and assessed changes in the relative contribution of source lineages since their reintroduction in the 1970s. Our results show that Kruger’s black rhinoceroses are genetically more diverse than those from KwaZulu-Natal, with levels closer to those from the Zambezi Valley. Furthermore, our findings indicate a relative increase in the Zimbabwean lineage since reintroduction, suggesting a possible selective advantage. From a conservation perspective, our results demonstrate the benefits of mixing multiple source populations to restore gene flow, improve genetic diversity and thereby help protect small, isolated populations from extinction.

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Data availability

GenBank accession numbers OK376773-OK376875. Microsatellite data to be submitted to Dryad upon acceptance of the manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to thank the staff at SANParks Veterinary Wildlife Services and Air Services for their effort and commitment to collecting the samples used in this study. Special thanks also go to Dr Sam Ferreira for all his support and assistance to the SANParks Black Rhino Program.

Funding

This work was funded by the Singita Lowveld Trust. DS was funded by University of Cape Town (UCT) Master’s Financial Aid Bursary 2019, NLR was supported by WWF South Africa and CD by Peace Parks Foundation.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Debbie Stanbridge, M. Justin O’Riain & Nikki le Roex

  2. Scientific Services, South African National Parks, Skukuza, South Africa

    Cathy Dreyer & Nikki le Roex

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  1. Debbie Stanbridge
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  2. M. Justin O’Riain
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Correspondence to Debbie Stanbridge.

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Stanbridge, D., O’Riain, M.J., Dreyer, C. et al. Genetic restoration of black rhinoceroses in South Africa: conservation implications. Conserv Genet 24, 99–107 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-022-01486-y

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