Genetic diversity of the endangered Mongolian saiga antelope Saiga tatarica mongolica (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) provides insights into conservation

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Rey de la Iglesia, Alba
  • Jeanne Hjort
  • Teresa L. Silva
  • Bayarbaatar. Buuveibaatar
  • Munkhnast Dalannast
  • Tumendemberel Ulziisaikhan
  • Buyanaa Chimeddorj
  • Gonçalo Espregueira-Themudo
  • Paula F. Campos

The Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) is one of the few megafauna species from the mammoth steppe still living today. Currently, saiga are classified as critically endangered, persisting only in small areas of Central Asian steppe and desert ecosystems. The species is divided into two subspecies: Saiga tatarica mongolica and Saiga tatarica tatarica. In this study, we have for the first time characterized the genetic diversity of the Mongolian saiga (S. t. mongolica) using both mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers. We also analysed S. t. tatarica specimens in order to genetically compare both subspecies. The mitochondrial control region was sequenced for a total of 89 individuals: 20 skin, 53 umbilical cord, three placentae and a muscle sample from S. t. mongolica, and a total of 12 hair samples from S. t. tatarica. Additionally, 19 microsatellites developed for saiga antelope were also screened. Our results revealed that the Mongolian saiga presents very low genetic diversity at the mitochondrial level, with no shared mitochondrial haplotype between the two subspecies. Low genetic diversity is also present at the autosomal level, with most loci having low heterozygosity (Ho/He) and a low number of alleles per locus. Despite the low genetic diversity, we found no separation between the subpopulations in Mongolia, indicating that conservation corridors are actually promoting contact between different herds. Our results validate current conservation efforts and inform the implementation of new measures to increase the viability of the S. t. mongolica subspecies.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society
Volume137
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)100-111
Number of pages12
ISSN0024-4066
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

    Research areas

  • Central Asian Steppe, conservation, DNA, Mongolia, saiga antelope, GAZELLE PROCAPRA GUTTUROSA, POPULATION, MITOCHONDRIAL, PATTERNS, MANAGEMENT, SOFTWARE, MHC

ID: 316054557