MBE Advance Access published online on May 19, 2007
Molecular Biology and Evolution, doi:10.1093/molbev/msm099
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Research Article |
Genetic viability and population history of the giant panda, putting an end to the evolutionary dead-end
* Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian, Beijing, People's Republic of China
Biodiversity and Ecological Processes Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Institute of Rare Animals and Plants, China West Normal Univeristy, Nanchong, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
Corresponding author: Fuwen Wei, Tel: +86-010-64807152, Fax: +86-010-64807099, E-mail: weifw{at}ioz.ac.cn
Received for publication November 26, 2006. Revision received April 10, 2007. Accepted for publication May 15, 2007.
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is currently threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation and human persecution. Its dietary specialization, habitat isolation and reproductive constraints have led to a perception that this is a species at an ‘evolutionary dead-end’, destined for deterministic extinction in the modern world. Here, we examine this perception by a comprehensive investigation of its genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history across its geographic range. We present analysis of 655 base pairs of mitochondrial (mt) control region (CR) DNA and ten microsatellite loci for samples from its five extant mountain populations (Qinling, Minshan, Qionglai, Liangshan and Lesser Xiangling). Surprisingly, extant populations display average to high levels of CR and microsatellite diversity compared with other bear species. Genetic differentiation among populations was significant in most cases but was markedly higher between Qinling and the other mountain ranges, suggesting, minimally, that the Qinling population should comprise a separate management unit for conservation purposes. Recent demographic inference using microsatellite markers demonstrated a clear genetic signature for population decline starting several thousands years ago or even futher back in the past, and being accelerated and enhanced by the expansion of human populations. Importantly, these data suggest that the panda is not a species at an evolutionary ‘dead-end’, but in common with other large carnivores, has suffered demographically at the hands of human pressure. Conservation strategies should therefore focus on the restoration and protection of wild habitat and the maintenance of the currently substantial regional genetic diversity, through active management of disconnected populations.
Key Words: giant panda • genetic diversity • population structure • population demography • evolutionary dead-end