Shedding Light on the Mysterious Lives of Gorillas
Sometimes it is the tiniest things that can make the biggest difference in conservation. For instance, scientists at the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research performed the first genetic studies on populations of wild mountain gorillas and discovered that even regionally, these animals are genetically distinct. Subsequently, investigators have found significant genetic differentiation within western lowland gorilla populations among what has been considered a single subspecies.
As long-lived great apes, which survive well in zoos, it is estimated that more than two-thirds of the gorillas held in North American zoos possess little or no information on their wild caught origins. One objective to this conservation research is to make detailed comparisons between the genetic variations in wild populations of western lowland gorillas and those held in zoos. This groundbreaking endeavor will utilize a broad array of gorilla samples in the Frozen Zoo and additional samples from gorillas in protected areas in Africa to assign captive individuals to their original wild populations.
“Since gorillas face so many threats in their natural habitats, it is vital that we learn all we can about these great apes,” said Anthony Nsubuga, leading project partner, Genetics Division. “Understanding genetic relationships and gene flow dynamics, as well as population designation and assignment across the gorilla range has recently become feasible. This will provide insights into the cryptic aspects of the biology of these critically endangered apes, such as population structure and level of genetic variability.”
Studying the dispersal patterns in wild great apes is another clue to relatedness, but difficult to observe in dense forests over the extended lifespan of gorillas. However, methodical gathering of fecal samples and meticulous data collection can shed light on the movements and relatedness of wild apes by evaluating patterns of genetic variation between males and females within regions. Samples have been collected from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda, and additional samples are being collected from the Ebo Forest gorillas in Cameroon through Dr. Bethan Morgan, head of the conservation research Central African Regional Program. Plans are underway to gather samples from gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda. Analyzing these samples will provide timeless information about various gorilla troops.
It Takes a Village
Another vital aspect to the gorilla genetics project is capacity building, where people are trained, supported and mentored in gorilla conservation science in the range countries of the apes. One researcher is being trained in noninvasive molecular techniques to identify individuals and genetic relationships of gorillas in Bwindi so that dispersal patterns and level of genetic diversity among these populations can be inferred. The myriad of threats gorillas encounter in their homeland – habitat loss and fragmentation, disease and poaching – warrants direct conservation safeguards from local people and support of communities who choose to protect their wildlife. This gorilla genetics project creates much-needed synergy between San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research investigators and wildlife authorities and conservationists in Uganda, Rwanda, D.R. Congo and Cameroon. This cooperative partnership will serve all of us great apes well.
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To help raise awareness about the plight of the gorilla in Africa, 2009 has been designated the official Year of the Gorilla. To learn more about global efforts to save this magnificent primate and what you can do to help, please visit www.yog2009.org.
