Genetic study has recently uncovered an issue of severe inbreeding in mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) as explained in this article. The study revealed a substantial decrease in genetic diversity from inbreeding caused by mating with close relatives due to small population size compared to other species. The mountain gorillas inherit identical segments from both parents in about a third of their genome. Inbreeding like this can increase threats from disease and environmental change by reducing the genetic ability to adapt and cause a larger hardship of harmful mutations, the article explained. They have determined that although low in genetic diversity they have not yet crossed any genetic threshold of no return. They can continue to survive and reestablish their population to larger numbers if we, as humans, help them.
I found this article to be rather interesting, as it is another example of how humans are affecting wildlife populations by encroaching on the gorilla's habitat and eliminating corridors between populations that allow for gene flow. Now with only 880 individuals left in the wild, it is crucial to manage for some genetic variability before the threshold is met and this beautiful creature is a creature of the past.
I agree that humans are affecting wild life in a huge way and no one has a clue about it. Forests being cut down and jungles as well is really restricting wildlife as to where they can live, which leads to their extinction.
ReplyDeleteDeforestation, poaching and human activity has put many strains on species worldwide. It can cause habitat fragmentation and a lack of genetic diversity as explained above. Hopefully with human help, a healthy population of mountain gorillas with be re-established and maintained.
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