Genetics and Conservation of Endangered Grevy's Zebra in Laikipia
Siva Sundaresan1, Brenda Larison2, Vanessa Ezenwa3, Ilya Fischhoff4
1) Denver Zoological Foundation and Princeton University
2) University of California, Los Angeles
3) University of Montana, Missoula
4) Princeton University
Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) is one of the world’s most endangered mammal species. With fewer than 2000 individuals remaining in the wild, we must act immediately to save it from extinction. The species’ last stronghold is the arid savannah ecosystem of Northern Kenya, particularly the districts of Laikipia and Samburu. Grevy's zebra are a flagship species for the preservation of the rich ecological heritage of Laikipia-Samburu, which harbors the greatest abundance of large mammals anywhere in Kenya except for the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. However, unlike the Serengeti Laikipia-Samburu is almost entirely private land and the vast majority of Grevy's zebra occur in unprotected areas. To survive and reproduce Grevy's zebras must navigate a fragmented and patchy landscape. While some properties promote wildlife conservation, others are not friendly to endangered species. Such human modified landscapes likely impose significant barriers to Grevy's zebra movements and cause some populations to become isolated over time. Further, isolation likely decreases the genetic health of populations and increases the likelihood of local extinctions. It is essential, therefore, that conservation efforts incorporate information on zebra-human interactions. Reliable scientific information about movements of Grevy's zebra in relation to the landscape and the consequences for population viability is urgently needed to make informed management decisions.
To address the conservation needs of the Grevy's zebra we will:
1) Track GPS collared animals to better understand how resources and landscape features drive movement patterns.
2) Characterize genetic diversity, genetic exchange among populations, and population health.
3) Determine the relationship between landscape characteristics, genetics, and disease.
By collecting fresh dung samples from individually identified zebra we can relate their health to their genetic status using novel molecular biological techniques. These methods allow us to isolate DNA from fresh dung samples and characterize the number and nature of parasites infecting the zebra. By collecting samples from a number of different locations in the region, we will be able to relate how land use and management affects zebra movment and population health.
We hope that the information from this project will form the framework for a science-based Grevy's zebra monitoring and conservation program.
