February 20201 RESEARCH UPDATE AND SEEKING SPONSERSHIP FOR COMPLETION Regrettably, the Project did not escape Covid-19 impact, thus an interim halt during 2020. Bushbuck as wildlife game in the Eastern Cape has entered a biological species deadlock from geographic isolating of multiple subpopulations by Government, on a basis of apparent genetic differences. Government prevents the trade and movement of bushbuck between Game Farms and regions, thus undermining the sustainability of private production of Bushbuck. Scientific genetic research [similar to the previous study for the Oribi (J van Vuuren et al 2017)], required to assess the species integrity and possible change of government legislation. Scientific peer- reviewed publication of results to follow. We still need many more DNA samples and financial support (cost per sample ≈R1,000 ZAR / $70 US) before results can be concluded for scientific publication in the struggle for translocation permits against Government – attached a map and hologram of samples so far collected. The aim: to understand the genetic diversity and integrity of Bushbuck in South Africa, and to determine differences in hide appearance to be phenotypical colour variant related versus genetically phylogeographic. Zoological science on other species indicate DNA variance cannot be confined geographically to specific areas. The studies by Moodley et al (2007) on Bushbuck, and J van Vuuren et al (2017) on Oribi, are in agreement with what we anticipate.
Managing Director: J. Kruger, CIP, APA (Ireland) HCII (Unisa) | Director: D. Furstenburg (Pr.Sci.Nat.115086) Company Registration: 2015/005346/07 | VAT Number: Non-Vendor Page 1
To date, we have achieved (2016-2020):
BUSHBUCK – (Still to be published – 39 DNA samples [TRA001-039] completed so far) Early taxonomists had already hypothesised that two bushbuck species; Tragelaphus scriptus and T. sylvaticus, exist based on phenotypic differences in fur-colouration and patterning (Lydekker 1893; Sclatter and Thomas 1900; Matschie 1912). Moodley et al (2007) has determined the phylogenetic relationships within the spiral-horned antelopes using published mitochondrial sequence information for known Tragelaphus scriptus scriptus and T.s. sylvaticus individuals and suggested non-monophyly within bushbuck. Based on mitochondrial markers it was determined that all the submitted samples (TRA001-039) clustered in a single group, with minor local geographic variation of improved genetic integrity, rather than any species difference of significance. Moodley Y & Bruford MW. 2007. Molecular Biogeography: Towards and integrated framework for conserving Pan- African Biodiversity. PLoS ONE 2(5):e454, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000454
Distribution range of samples collected
Hologram of anylised DNA samples
Managing Director: J. Kruger, CIP, APA (Ireland) HCII (Unisa) | Director: D. Furstenburg (Pr.Sci.Nat.115086) Company Registration: 2015/005346/07 | VAT Number: Non-Vendor Page 2
BONTEBOK – (Published) Furstenburg D & Currie JL. 2019. Post-Late Glacial Maximum Palaeoecological Species Integrity, Phylogeography and Management of Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus). Environment and Ecology Research 7(6):313-334, DOI: 10.13189/eer.2019.070602 Bontebok originated on savannah grassland, on the Augulhas bank, between PE (EC) and CP (WC), which is currently submerged under the sea. In recent times bontebok became trapped in the unsuitable Renosterveld of the Western Cape, due to grazer pressure & human stock herding. Renosterveld. Since its origin the Augulsbank was open 24 times, during each Bontebok & Blesbok migrations met each other in the EC & cross-bred, therefor the very little genetic difference still today. Its performance in EC private farmers (from 5 in 1944 to >7000 today).compared to CapeNature (17 in Bontebok Park 1932 to only 1600 today) proof that it is a grassland species (as is the cousin the blesbok) & not a renosterveld species as claimed by CapeNature. Authorities failed to save it (restricting it to Renosterveld). Private farming has saved the Bontebok on grasslands similar to its origin.
ORIBI – (Published) Jansen van Vuuren B, Rushworth I & Montgelard C. 2017. Phylogeography of oribi antelope in South Africa: evolutionary versus anthropogenic panmixia. African Zoology 52(4):189-197, DOI: 10.1080/15627020.2017.1386077 All oribi within South Africa are the same one subspecies. We need to buy into the concept of expanding the Oribi habitat and promoting out-breeding between subpopulations across geographic boundaries.
THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE PARTICPATED SPONSORING AND/OR CONTRIBUTING SAMPLES Please contact Jenny Currie on +27844771166 or [email protected] or your outfitter for more updates and banking details . A great cause for scientific reports for Africa, the world and the people.
Managing Director: J. Kruger, CIP, APA (Ireland) HCII (Unisa) | Director: D. Furstenburg (Pr.Sci.Nat.115086) Company Registration: 2015/005346/07 | VAT Number: Non-Vendor Page 3