Biologists recently completed the first-ever genetic map of chimpanzees that reside in the wild. This data would provide a broader perspective about the previous migration of the species and be utilized to protect them from illegal trafficking.
Genetic Map of Chimpanzees for Conservation
The new genomic database of the chimpanzees was consolidated through the specimens gathered from more than 800 individuals across the vast African preserves. The information from the catalog could be used by both authorities and scientists to investigate cases of poaching.
The genetic map could relay details even if the only available samples left by the kidnapped chimpanzees were their body parts and meat.
Pompeu Fabra University's Institute of Evolutionary Biology specialist Claudia Fontsere, who also served as the first author of the research, explained that the methods for the conservation of these endangered animals would be more effective through the data on their genetic diversity as well as the past demographic history of the species.
The DNA samples included in the genetic map construction were collected from thousands of chimp droppings scattered across the western and central regions of Africa. The project was done in part by the efforts of the Pan African Program.
The authors selected the approach to effectively get the genetic structures of the chimpanzees without requiring any harmful or invasive procedures. One of the biggest challenges that made the fecal collection difficult is that numerous samples must be recovered due to the limited trace amounts of the individuals.
The authors combined this approach with a technique called target capture, which was first utilized in finding the degraded remains of Neanderthals. Results yielded 50 percent more variants than the fecal collection alone.
Genome Database Sheds Light on Confusing Origins of Chimps
Through the records, the team could glimpse the species' history up to 100,000 years the past.
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology expert and corresponding lead of the paper, Mimi Arandjelovic, said that the chimpanzee genetic map also clarifies the most debated subjects regarding the species, such as the true origin of four various chimp subspecies.
According to a report by PhysOrg, the team determined that the living subspecies of the chimpanzees branched out in the past and had genetic exchanges throughout their evolution. This was why attempts to construct the genome database of the animals in previous studies varied in conclusions.
The geographical features such as lakes and rivers between the regions of subspecies also played a part in separating the genetic expressions of the animals. This finding also gave new insights into the suspected interception between the breeds of chimpanzees and bonobos.
Fontsere said that the consolidated genetic data their team accomplished could distinguish trafficked chimp groups from the regions where they were supposed to live peacefully. This could also help them return to sanctuaries near their origin, as the findings suggest that chimps improve their quality of life when exposed to the proximity of their true habitats.
The study was published in Cell Genomics, titled "Population dynamics and genetic connectivity in recent chimpanzee history."
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