Localized population divergence of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebusspp.) in South Africa: Evidence from mtDNA

Abstract

Objectives Vervet monkeys are common in most tree-rich areas of South Africa, but their absence from grassland and semi-desert areas of the country suggest potentially restricted and mosaic local population patterns that may have relevance to local phenotype patterns and selection. A portion of the mtDNA control region was sequenced to study patterns of genetic differentiation. Materials and Methods DNA was extracted and mtDNA sequences were obtained from 101 vervet monkeys at 15 localities which represent both an extensive (widely across the distribution range) and intensive (more than one troop at most of the localities) sampling strategy. Analyses utilized Arlequin 3.1, MEGA 6, BEAST v1.5.2 and Network V3.6.1 Results The dataset contained 26 distinct haplotypes, with six populations fixed for single haplotypes. Pairwise P-distance among population pairs showed significant differentiation among most population pairs, but with non-significant differences among populations within some regions. Populations were grouped into three broad clusters in a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree and a haplotype network. These clusters correspond to (i) north-western, northern and north-eastern parts of the distribution range as well as the northern coastal belt; (ii) central areas of the country; and (iii) southern part of the Indian Ocean coastal belt, and adjacent inland areas. Discussion Apparent patterns of genetic structure correspond to current and past distribution of suitable habitat, geographic barriers to gene flow, geographic distance and female philopatry. However, further work on nuclear markers and other genomic data is necessary to confirm these results.

Resources for functional genomic studies of health and development in nonhuman primates

“…Analysis of genetic markers—such as sequence variation in mtDNA, chromosome Y, and small sets of autosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or microsatellites—work well for tracking paternity, understanding genetic relationships within and among populations, and studying molecular phylogeny across species (Chan et al, ; Coetzer, Turner, Schmitt, & Grobler, ; Hasan et al, ; Haus, Roos, & Zinner, ; Mekonnen et al, ; Perelman et al, ; Smith, Mcdonough, & George, ; Turner et al, ). Their utility for discovering the genetic basis of phenotypic variation, however, is limited.…”

Peer Review #3 of "Adaptive genetic variation at three loci in South African vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and the role of selection within primates (v0.1)"

“…Manuscript to be reviewed should be discouraged. A recent study focusing on South African vervet monkey phylogeography identified mtDNA structuring among populations linked to current and past habitat distributions, geographic barriers, distance and female philopatry (Turner et al 2016b).…”

“…University of the Free State, Biobank and were previously collected byTurner et al (2016b). All DNA extracts were obtained from ear biopsies.…”

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“…Samples from a total of 81 vervet monkeys were included in this study ( Supplementary Table S1), representing nine localities from across the distribution range (Turner et al 2016b) Figure 1A) and eight bioregions / vegetation types. These localities represent significantly different environmental conditions, based on parameters such as the mean annual precipitation, mean annual ambient temperature and maximum annual temperature (Table 1).…”

“…Vervet monkeys also often find their way to primate rehabilitation centres following human primate conflicts (Wimberger et al 2010) and re-introduction of these animals to suitable recipient populations without considering the provenance of the rehabilitated animals should be discouraged. A recent study focusing on South African vervet monkey phylogeography identified mtDNA structuring among populations linked to current and past habitat distributions, geographic barriers, distance and female philopatry (Turner et al 2016b).…”