Tiergarten Schönbrunn: Untersuchung der genetischen Variation in der Mitochondrien-DNA beim Afrikanischen Elefanten

Here we studied the genetic variation of 160 elephant samples, originating from Loxodonta africana, Elephas maximus and Mammuthus primigenius. We sequenced a 400 bp fragment comprising the hypervariable region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region. In addition to the species identification we detected several L. africana or E. maximus subtypes. On the basis of the M. primigenius sequence data we determined a close phylogenetic relationship to L. africana. This relationship supports the ¿Mammuthus-Loxodonta' clade classified previously (Noro M. et al. (1998) J. Mol. Evol. 46: 314-26) and contrasts morphological reports that Mammuthus is more closely related to Elephas than to Loxodonta. On the basis of our sequence data we established a real-time-PCR assay for each of the subtypes of L. africana or E. maximus. This allows single-step differentiation between the elephant species as well as between the subtypes. The technique is applicable in elephant species phylogeography and in the management and control of illegal trade of elephant products.

Zentrum für Biologische Wissenschaften

Schönbrunner Tiergarten-Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Funktion: Partner