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A phylogeographic assessment of the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) across South Africa

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Abstract

The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is widespread throughout South Africa and occurs in higher densities in the north-eastern regions, with isolated populations in the Eastern Cape Province and in the Kimberley area in the Northern Cape Province. This study aimed to assess the phylogeographic structure of regional South African greater kudu groups, based on neutral mitochondrial DNA regions as well as adaptive variation. A total of 116 kudu were sampled from across the South African distribution range, separated by geographic features and distance, from six South African provinces. Sampling was mainly based on skin samples collected from taxidermists. Genetic diversity and differentiation were quantified using sequence data from the mitochondrial control region (mtDNA CR) and the heat shock protein subunit 5 (HSPA5) gene. Short tandem repeat (STR) sequences were identified at the 3′-UTR of the bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) gene and used for downstream analyses. Twenty-six haplotypes were identified from the CR dataset, three for the HSPA5 region, and 14 alleles were identified for the BMP4 STR. The CR phylogenetic analyses identified two distinct genetic clades representing an Eastern and Western group respectively. Molecular divergence dating identified the most recent common ancestor of the Eastern and Western South African kudu clades as older (2.237 Mya) than some well-known African antelope species. This result was consistent with the HSPA5 and BMP4 results. Environmental selective pressures, such as rainfall and ambient temperature, were also identified as possible driving forces for evolution at the HSPA5 gene region. Overall, these results can provide support for future management decisions to ensure the conservation of natural patterns of diversity in this majestic antelope species in South Africa.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all the owners and managers of the sampling localities. The assistance of the taxidermies is much appreciated, and we would like to specifically thank African Artistry and Marakalalo Taxidermy in Bloemfontein, Zululand Taxidermy in Pongola and Spirit of Africa Taxidermy in Howick. We also would like to thank Hesmari Bindeman for sharing DNA samples from the Eastern Cape for this study.

Funding

We would like to acknowledge Inqaba Biotec for the 2018 SeedIT Research Award granted to Ruan Jacobs. The study was additionally funded by National Research Foundation incentive funding awarded to J. Paul Grobler.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

    R. Jacobs, W. G. Coetzer & J. P. Grobler

  2. Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa

    W. G. Coetzer

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  1. R. Jacobs
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  3. J. P. Grobler
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Contributions

Both WGC and JPG contributed to the project conception and design. Sample collection and laboratory work was performed by RJ. Data analysis was performed by RJ and WGC. The manuscript is based on the MSc dissertation of RJ, and the first draft of this manuscript was written by RJ. Funding was provided by National Research Foundation incentive funding received by JPG. All authors commented and edited the subsequent versions of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to W. G. Coetzer.

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Jacobs, R., Coetzer, W.G. & Grobler, J.P. A phylogeographic assessment of the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) across South Africa. Conserv Genet 23, 919–933 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-022-01464-4

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