Abstract
The rapid decline of the African lion (Panthera leo) has raised conservation concerns. In the Savé Valley Conservancy (SVC), in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe, lions were presumably reduced to approximately 5 to 10 individuals. After ten lions were reintroduced in 2005, the population has recovered to over 200 lions in 2016. Although the increase of lions in the SVC seems promising, a question remains whether the population is genetically viable, considering their small founding population. In this study, we document the genetic diversity in the SVC lion population using both mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers, and compare our results to literature from other lion populations across Africa. We also tested whether genetic diversity is spatially structured between lion populations residing on several reserves in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe. A total of 42 lions were genotyped successfully for 11 microsatellite loci. We confirmed that the loss of allelic richness (probably resulting from genetic drift and small number of founders) has resulted in low genetic diversity and inbreeding. The SVC lion population was also found to be genetically differentiated from surrounding population, as a result of genetic drift and restricted natural dispersal due to anthropogenic barriers. From a conservation perspective, it is important to avoid further loss of genetic variability in the SVC lion population and maintain evolutionary potential required for future survival. Genetic restoration through the introduction of unrelated individuals is recommended, as this will increase genetic heterozygosity and improve survival and reproductive fitness in populations.
Highlights
In an increasingly human dominated and fragmented landscape, biodiversity has a changing face
Questions emerged regarding the genetic diversity of the lions in the Save Valley Conservancy (SVC) and BVC and the possible differentiation between lion populations in the area due to effects of genetic drift
When expected heterozygosity in the SVC population was compared to other lion populations in Africa, the level found in the SVC was comparable to the lion population in the Ngorongoro Crater, which is known to have suffered from a severe bottleneck [54]
Summary
In an increasingly human dominated and fragmented landscape, biodiversity has a changing face. An increasing number of species are adversely affected and show signs of negative population growth. A recent study by Ceballos and co-workers [1] reported that almost half of the 177 mammal species studied have so far lost more than 80% of their natural.
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