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Understanding the Vulnerability of Bonobos: New Genetic Insights
Recent research has shed new light on the endangered bonobo, one of our closest evolutionary relatives. A study led by a researcher from University College London (UCL) has unveiled the existence of three distinct bonobo populations, indicating that they may be more at risk than previously believed.
The research team, which included scientists from UCL, the University of Vienna, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, published their findings in the journal Current Biology. Their study reveals that these three bonobo populations have developed separately in various regions of Central Africa for tens of thousands of years.
Through genetic analysis, the researchers validated earlier hypotheses about the existence of three distinct bonobo groups rooted in the central, western, and far-western areas of their natural habitat. Notably, the genetic differences between these bonobo populations were found to be comparable to those observed among closely related chimpanzee subspecies.
Bonobos, often regarded as the more peaceful of the great apes, share a near-identical genetic makeup with humans—differing by only approximately 1% in DNA sequences. However, their status is precarious, with an estimated wild population of about 20,000 individuals. Their solitary habitat in the Congo Basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo poses significant challenges for researchers due to ongoing social and political turmoil, which has hindered extensive study.
Dr. Sojung Han, a co-first author and researcher based in Austria and Spain, commented on the intriguing social dynamics of bonobos. “They exhibit unique social behaviors, forming close-knit groups that are generally peaceful and egalitarian. Interestingly, male bonobos remain in their natal groups, whereas females often migrate, though they still maintain strong ties and can achieve higher social ranks than males,” she explained.
The research meticulously evaluated the genomic data of thirty bonobos that were born in the wild but are now residing in captivity. The team sequenced the exomic DNA of twenty individuals in an African sanctuary and conducted full genomic analyses on ten additional bonobos. To establish a comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity within the bonobo demographic, they cross-referenced their findings with previously collected mitochondrial DNA from 136 wild bonobos.
The assessment revealed that the central population of bonobos diverged from the other two populations around 145,000 years ago, while the two western populations separated approximately 60,000 years ago. These groups have exhibited minimal intermingling over time.
Professor Aida Andrés, the lead author from UCL’s Genetics Institute, emphasized the implications of these findings. “Bonobos may be even more vulnerable than we previously anticipated, as their population consists of at least three smaller subgroups, some of which may historically have been among the smallest populations of similar primates,” she stated. “Genetic diversity is crucial for a species’ survival amid changing environments, and the loss of any one of these groups would be detrimental to the overall genetic health of the bonobo population. Thus, conservation efforts must prioritize all three populations to ensure the future of this remarkable species.”
The researchers advocate for a deeper understanding of the genetic distinctions among bonobo populations to inform conservation strategies, particularly regarding habitat preservation, translocation initiatives, and potential reintroductions of bonobos suited to specific environments.
Dr. Sojung Han added, “Unlike modern humans, who occupy diverse regions globally, bonobos are confined to the Congo Basin. Our findings underscore that genetic divergence exists among groups, which opens exciting avenues for future research into potential adaptive differences.”
Dr. Cesare de Filippo, another joint first author from the Max Planck Institute, highlighted the significance of genomic studies on endangered species. “This research illustrates how genomic insights can enhance our understanding of species’ population structures and ultimately support conservation efforts. Even genomic data gathered from captive populations can extend our knowledge of their wild counterparts. Our results underline the precarious status of bonobos and highlight the urgent need to safeguard their habitats,” he concluded.
The research was conducted with support from Wellcome and the Max Planck Society and included contributions from a diverse group of scientists based in the UK, Austria, Germany, Spain, Denmark, and Israel.
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