Genetic variability in South African blue wildebeest (Connochaetes oaurinus)

• Published in: Comparative biochemistry and physiology. B, Comparative biochemistry Vol. 106; no. 3; p. 755
• Main Authors: Grobler, J P, Van der Bank, F H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-11-1993
• Subjects: Animals; Antelopes - genetics; Chromosome Mapping; Genetic Variation; Heterozygote
• ISSN: 0305-0491
• DOI: 10.1016/0305-0491(93)90159-3

1. We use protein gel-electrophoresis to investigate genetic heterogeneity at 33 protein coding loci in a total of 46 blue wildebeest (C. taurinus) kept under different management regimes. 2. Average heterozygosity ranged from 2.14 to 4.3% and within-population differences accounted for 97.2% of total relative gene diversity. 3. Comparatively little divergence was found between animals sampled from populations with very diverse population sizes and management histories, with the largest genetic distance estimated between any two populations being only 0.0021. 4. We discuss our results with particular emphasis on the influence of management history on genetic diversity and divergence in C. taurinus.