Genetic assessment of an isolated endemic Samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus) population in the Amathole Mountains, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The endemic Samango monkey subspecies (Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus) inhabits small discontinuous Afromontane forest patches in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal midlands and southern Mpumalanga Provinces
in South Africa. The subspecies is afected by restricted
migration between forest patches which may impact on
gene fow resulting in inbreeding and possible localized
extinction. Current consensus, based on habitat quality, is
that C. a. labiatus can be considered as endangered as the
small forest patches they inhabit may not be large enough to
sustain them. The aim of this study was to conduct a molecular genetic investigation to determine if the observed isolation has afected the genetic variability of the subspecies.
A total of 65 Samango monkeys (including juveniles, subadults and adults) were sampled from two localities within
the Hogsback area in the Amathole Mountains. Nuclear
and mitochondrial DNA variation was assessed using 17
microsatellite markers and by sequencing the hypervariable
1 region (HVR1). Microsatellite data generated was used to determine population structure, genetic diversity and the
extent of inbreeding. Sequences of the HVR1 were used to
infer individual origins, haplotype sharing and haplotype
diversity. No negative genetic factors associated with isolation such as inbreeding were detected in the two groups and
gene fow between groups can be regarded as fairly high
primarily as a result of male migration. This was in contrast
to the low nuclear genetic diversity observed (Ho = 0.45). A
further reduction in heterozygosity may lead to inbreeding
and reduced ofspring ftness. Translocations and establishment of habitat corridors between forest patches are some
of the recommendations that have emerged from this study
which will increase long-term population viability of the
subspecies.