Insights into the genetics of the Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii)

[摘要] English: Little is known about the molecular genetic variation of Ground Pangolin populations in South Africa. In this study it was attempted to assess the genetic diversity of the populations, but this could not be achieved due to insufficient cross‐species markers amplification. It should, however, be emphasized that the molecular work done in this study is novel, and that the results found during this research are key foundations for future studies. During sample collection it was found that three main populations of Ground Pangolins exist in South Africa in the Eastern, Western and Central parts of the country. Isolation protocols have been optimized, and it has been shown that noninvasive samples yield good quality and quantity DNA that is usable for down‐stream applications and perform as well as invasive samples. The PCR protocol was optimized, and the results from the optimization chapter will be of assistance when species‐specific markers are optimized. This study has also shown the need for the development of species‐specific markers, and the use of said markers will give a better indication of the genetic diversity of the Ground Pangolin populations in South Africa. From the statistical analysis it would seem that there are some correlations between the three sampling localities which may indicate a population divergence at some point. Based on the genetic diversity results, it appears that the diversity within Ground Pangolin populations is much lower based on the markers tested than in Malayan Pangolin populations. This will however have to be confirmed with species‐specific markers.

[发布机构] University of the Free State