Mitochondrial DNA variation of eastern African lion (panthera leo melanochaita) populations in Kenya.

Abstract

The Eastern African lion population forms a major part of the wildlife ecosystem with key contributions in the economy of the country through ecotourism, employment, cultural values and maintenance of biodiversity. Less than 2000 lions are estimated to live in Kenya, a decline of over 90% in the last 100 years. Due to the increased human pressure and other numerous underlying factors on the ecosystems, the lion populations is unstable and at risk of local extirpation. Proper knowledge of the aspects of their genetic structure is a fundamental step toward improved management and conservation of lions. Yet there is insufficient genetic information in most of the Kenyan lion populations. The aim of this study was to disclose the mitochondrial D loop polymorphisms, genetic variations and maternal lineages of Panthera leo melanochaita populations in Kenya by sequencing the mitochondrial D-loop region (932bp in length). The 932 bps mitochondrial D-loop region studied exhibited 282 polymorphic sites (S) with 211 singleton variable sites and 71 parsimony informative sites. This region also exhibited low mean genetic diversity (within subpopulation and in entire population) (0.052), low nucleotide diversity (pi=0.02103) and substantial haplotype diversity (Hd=0.964). The northern frontier lion population showed high polymorphism, mean genetic diversity and high nucleotide diversity than the southern frontier lion population. Haplotype analysis indicated 41 haplotypes with 4 shared haplotypes and 37 haplotypes that were unique. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a single monophyletic clade, one maternal lineage and six haplogroups with five haplogroups that were resolved and were distinct.