Mitochondrial diversity of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Mountain Gorillas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mitochondrial DNA is a key marker for assessing genetic diversity, critical for the conservation of endangered species. This study investigates the mitochondrial diversity of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) mountain gorilla population (Gorilla beringei beringei), one of the most endangered primate subspecies.

Results

Using pooled sequencing of 200 faecal samples collected from both habituated and wild gorillas, we identify ten mtDNA variants exceeding a 20% threshold across the population mitogenome. Comparisons with previously sequenced individual BINP gorilla mitogenomes corroborates these findings and reveals additional putative haplotypes, potential heteroplasmy and nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments. Our approach overcomes challenges associated w

SUBMITTER: Knox MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12661816 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature