Genetic diversity and demographic history of the largest remaining migratory population of brindled wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus taurinus) in southern Africa.

ABSTRACT: The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) is a keystone species in the savannahs of southern Africa, where it maintains shortgrass plains and serves as an important prey source for large carnivores. Despite being the second-largest migratory wildebeest population, the brindled wildebeest (C. t. taurinus) of the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem (GLE) of western Zambia have remained largely unstudied, until recently. While studies have increased understanding of recent demography, migration, and population limiting factors, the level of genetic diversity, patterns of gene flow, and long-term demographic history of brindled wildebeest in the GLE remains unknown. Most genetic studies of wildebeest have focused on small, heavily-managed populations, rather than large, migratory populations of high con

SUBMITTER: Szarmach SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12021205 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature