Unveiling the Genetic History of the Maniq, a Primary Hunter-Gatherer Society

Abstract

The Maniq of southern Thailand is one of the last remaining practicing hunter-gatherer communities in the world. However, our knowledge on their genetic origins and demographic history is still largely limited. We present here the genotype data covering ∼2.3 million SNPs of eleven unrelated Maniq individuals. Our analyses reveal the Maniq to be closely related to the Semang populations of Malaysia (Malay Negritos), who altogether carry an Andamanese-related ancestry linked to the ancient Hòabìnhian hunter-gatherers of Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA). Moreover, the Maniq possess ∼35% East Asian-related ancestry, likely brought about by recent admixture with surrounding agriculturist communities in the region. In addition, the Maniq exhibit one of the highest levels of genetic differentiation found among living human populations, indicative of their small population size and historical practice of endogamy. Similar to other hunter-gatherer populations of MSEA, we also find the Maniq to possess low levels of Neanderthal ancestry and undetectable levels of Denisovan ancestry. Altogether, we reveal the Maniq to be a Semang group that experienced intense genetic drift and exhibits signs of ancient Hòabìnhian ancestry.

Hunter–gatherer genetics research: Importance and avenues

“…More recently, and given their distinct genetic profiles, greater efforts to include and integrate more indigenous Malaysian and Thai hunter–gatherers in population genetic analyses have revealed that at least three waves of migration into the Malay peninsula are required in order to explain the observed genetic diversity, with the ancestors of the Semang group of contemporary hunter–gatherers probably representing the first inhabitants of the region (Aghakhanian et al, 2015 ; Lipson et al, 2018 ; McColl et al, 2018 ; Göllner et al, 2022 ). Likewise, a recent publication affirmed the deep genetic ancestry of several Punan groups living across North Kalimantan, Borneo.…”

Hunter-gatherer genetics research: Importance and avenues

“…More recently, and given their distinct genetic profiles, greater efforts to include and integrate more indigenous Malaysian and Thai hunter-gatherers in population genetic analyses have revealed that at least three waves of migration into the Malay peninsula are required in order to explain the observed genetic diversity, with the ancestors of the Semang group of contemporary hunter-gatherers likely representing the first inhabitants of the region (Aghakhanian et al 2015;Lipson et al 2018;McColl et al 2018;Göllner et al 2022). Likewise, a recent publication affirmed the deep genetic ancestry of several Punan groups living across North Kalimantan, Borneo.…”

South Asian maternal and paternal lineages in southern Thailand and the role of sex-biased admixture

“…The KhonTai (TK) and ThaiMalay (AN) account for ~66% and 33% of the population, respectively, whereas the Maniq, one of the minor groups in the region, speak an Austroasiatic (AA) language. Maniq is one of the indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia (SEA) and probably descend from mid-Holocene hunter-gatherers [1][2][3], since they carry ancient genetic lineages [4,5]. Overall, there is evidence of a long history of human occupation of Southern Thailand [6], as attested by the diversification of population subsistence patterns, cultural artifacts of Paleolithic hunter-gatherers associated with the Hòabı `nhian archaeological tradition dated to ~27-38 thousand years ago (kya) [7], and human remains at Moh Khiew Cave in the Krabi Province (dated to ~26-8 kya) [8][9][10].…”