Botswana Giraffe Expedition 2009

Transcription

1 Botswana Giraffe Expedition 2009 ESTABLISHING THE GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF THE NORTHERN BOTSWANA GIRAFFE POPULATION AND THE EVOLUTIONARY RELATIONSHIPS OF THESE POPULATIONS TO OTHER SOUTHERN AFRICAN SUB-SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Explorers Club Flag Expedition, Flag #76 - Expedition Report AUGUST 2009, BOTSWANA Andy Tutchings FRGS MI '09 Expedition co-leader Dr Julian Fennessy Principal Investigator GIRAFFE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL GIRAFFE WORKING GROUP, IUCN SSC ASG 1

2 INTRODUCTION From 30 July 20 August 2009 Explorers Club Flag #76 joined the Giraffe Conservation Foundation's (GCF) Expedition to Botswana, Africa. The aim of this research expedition was to assess the status, distribution, conservation health and genetic architecture of the endemic giraffe in the 'Southern African Sandwich': establishing the genetic archicture of the northern Botswana giraffe population and the evoluntionary relationships of these populations to other Southern African subspecific populations. This Expedition, the first ever dedicated giraffe research conducted in Botswana, was the most ambitious to date in our continent wide giraffe DNA data collection project. The following report will detail the rationale and requirement for this research, as well as providing some background information on current wild giraffe conservation status. It will explain our data collection methodology and subsequently provide details of the samples collected, including a summary list of the samples numbers collected to date. At the time of writing, results of this essential genetic analysis are still awaited but will be published through appropriate channels in due course. Once released, it will be made freely available through the GCF website ( It was possible for Explorers Club members to have followed our expedition through our Blog updates via the Explorers Club 'Linked in' facility. A link to this Blog and the expedition's daily activities is included below. The report includes information regarding future projects and collaborations, while also taking the opportunity to acknowledge the essential financial and logistical support offered by a number of organisations, without which this expedition and many others would never be possible. RATIONALE AND PROPOSED FOCUS RESEARCH COMPONENT The Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) and IUCN/SSC ASG International Giraffe Working Group (IGWG) collectively with Henry Doorly Zoo Center for Conservation, are undertaking essential work to help accurately assess the wild giraffe population throughout the continent. Notably, and extremely important for the current and future conservation status and management of giraffe in Africa, the Niger giraffe G. c. peralta (sub)species was listed as endangered in the 2008 RedList (Fennessy and Brown, 2008). Based on recent genetic evidence identifying this as a distinct taxon (Hassanin et al. 2007), it survives only in the wild and the total population size is estimated at less than 200 individuals. This is significant for the Niger giraffe and other populations as a whole, and highlights the distinct status of the population. This result highlights the importance of this research to date and is only the start of what we are doing to reclassify and assess the conservation status of giraffe. The taxonomic classification of Botswana s giraffe is currently listed as either Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa (Cape or Southern giraffe) or G.c. angolensis (Angolan giraffe) depending on which taxonomic reference one uses (Dagg and Foster, 1976), all of which are now out dated and limiting (Fennessy, 2008; Fennessy and Brown 2008). Their classification has been based on the distinct geographic region in which they reside, and as such the limited capacity of other populations to migrate to or from this region, as well as their distinctive pelage (spot) pattern. Anecdotal evidence and limited surveys suggest 2

3 Botswana s giraffe are assumed to be increasing in numbers, ranging further north, south and east, but there has been no accurate estimate of the population. The Botswana giraffe is the missing link with regards to our understanding of southern African giraffe systematics and population genetics especially now that we have a preliminary assessment on the Thornicroft s giraffe of Zambia undertaken in 2008 (available on request). Recent genetic research (Fennessy, 2004; Brown et al. 2007) highlights that many of the historically classified subspecies of giraffe are genetically distinct at a species level. This project will help to fill this missing link as Namibian giraffe have recently been categorized as Angolan giraffe (G.c. angolensis; Fennessy, 2004; Brown et al., 2007). Lastly, the Southern or Cape giraffe (G.c. giraffa) of South Africa presents the third regional giraffe population. The genetic research studies undertaken during this research will seek to better understand the genetic architecture of the giraffe population in Botswana to help resolve their taxonomic status, and importance as significant (sub)species. In turn this will have considerable conservation management outcomes for the populations. To do this, we will investigate genetic variation of the giraffe in Botswana (see Study Area) compared with other extant giraffe populations (See Annex B). The conservation significance of the research provides a tool for in-situ conservation, supporting wildlife authorities and researchers harbouring dwindling or unknown populations of pure (sub)species to identify optimal individuals for translocation and other management programs. With little known of giraffe throughout the continent, and specifically in the project area, this work will be invaluable in better understanding the species conservation and in turn establishing baseline for long-term conservation management. Populations of giraffe in Eastern and West Africa have and/or continue to dwindle and therefore a greater understanding of the population ecology of the southern African giraffe can potentially assist with establishing a framework for the management of other populations. An additional benefit from the research will target population status and assessment of giraffe in Botswana. As a species, no rigorous continental assessment on the numbers, status and distribution of giraffe has ever been undertaken. A key component of this research is collating and analyzing data from the project area to add data to a continental wide project (Giraffe Database - GiD) being compiled under the banner of the IGWG, with support from others including GCF. In Botswana, limited targeted surveys or assessment of giraffe populations have been taken in the past decade. And of those surveys previously undertaken, data is limited. Our understanding of giraffe status and distribution, as well as its genetic architecture will be greatly enhanced by this research. Importantly, the results of this project will also enable the international zoo community to make more informed decisions regarding the designed matings within the captive population to maintain (sub)specific purity and within that parameter maximize the genetic diversity and minimize inbreeding. The results will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the proportion of captive giraffe that have been correctly assigned by pedigree records, mis-assigned by error, or are hybrids between subspecies. With these results, the International Zoo community will be better informed to make management decisions on whether or not to modify breeding strategies. 3

4 BACKGROUND CONSERVATION STATUS IUCN Red List: Outdated; currently Least Concern and previously Lower Risk/conservation dependent (LR/cd). CITES: Not Listed. The giraffe has long been considered one of Africa s most charismatic and ecologically and economically important species of megafauna. It was estimated that giraffe numbers exceeded individuals throughout Africa in 1998 (East, 1999), while a decade on are assumed to be less than individuals (almost 30% reduction). These figures are less than a third of the current estimates of African elephants, which is classified as endangered, yet the conservation status and profile of giraffe are very different (ASG, 1996; East, 1999). Specifically, giraffe are not listed in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), while the IUCN Species Survival Commission Red List status for giraffe, as classified under IUCN RedList categories and criteria version 3.1 is: Least Concern previously Lower risk: conservation dependent (ASG, 2007). Presently, as a species, giraffe do not satisfy the criteria for any of the vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered categories outlined by the IUCN (ASG, 1996). The classification of giraffe as conservation dependent does allow for one proviso should any future change in status occur. That is, if any part of the current conservation programmes ceases, then giraffe may qualify for one of the threatened categories within five years (ASG, 1996). In parts of the continent, this is essentially true and GCF and IGWG are undertaking essential work to help accurately assess the population. BOTSWANA POPULATION NUMBERS AND RANGE Our current knowledge of giraffe numbers in Botswana is limited. The most recent estimate is from a 2004 Dry Season Aerial Count undertaken across much of the country by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (available on request). The survey reported numbers similar to those reported in the African Antelope Database 1998 (East, 1999): 11,700 individuals with the population stable/increasing. The survey indicated the Okavango Delta as the stronghold for giraffe in Botswana, whilst other populations across the country also have significant population numbers e.g. the (CKGR), Moremi Game and Chobe National Park. It is important to note that the giraffe population in the Tuli Circle, eastern Botswana, consisting of Mashatu (Northern Tuli Game ) and its neighbours (Mapungubwe National Park and Venetia Game ) were all translocated into the area from outside of Botswana due to local extinction, some from as far away as Namibia. Therefore, although important for tourism and potentially habitat management, the giraffe are not key to this research in understanding the natural distribution of giraffe as these populations are now for all intensive purposes considered hybrids. However, based on discussions in the field whilst in Botswana and preliminary aerial surveys in some of the key giraffe populations (data not currently available), giraffe numbers may be dropping and therefore a more detailed survey (and associated research such as satellite tracking) working collaboratively with the authorities and respective conservation NGOs is recommended. 4

5 STUDY AREA The study for this project was limited to four key and geographically separate giraffe subpopulations in northern and central Botswana. Specific sampling locations of the giraffe in Botswana were: Moremi Game Chobe National Park Nxai Pan National Park GENETIC SAMPLING METHODS Tissue biopsies provide the greatest quantity of high quality nuclear DNA of any biological samples that can be secured readily from free-ranging individuals. Giraffe samples were collected from a random subset of the northern and central giraffe populations in Botswana (44 individuals in total) using a remote biopsy dart delivery system (Pneudart dart gun) and a long cutter biopsy Pnedart to assess the genetic health and DNA structure of the population. While in the field, the tissue biopsy plugs were stored in labelled 1.8 ml Nunc tubes containing 0.5 ml of room temperature tissue preservative (250 mm EDTA ph7.5, 20% DMSO) and then maintained at 4 C. An export permit from the Botswana Authorities was obtained in Maun and then the samples were couriered to the US in 0.02% gluteraldehyde solution to ensure digestion of any potential bacterial or viral vectors. This protocol is specified by the United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA: APHIS) under Veterinary Import Permit #46386-Research. The extraction and sequencing component of the genetic research will be undertaken as part of a collaborative research effort with Henry Doorly Zoo s Center for Conservation and Research, Omaha, Nebraska. Dr Rick Brenneman was a key participant in the field work and would be happy to provide a more detailed overview of the laboratory methods used for the extraction and analysis of the giraffe tissue samples if interested. To date, the tissue biopsy samples have been cleaned and banked, and the first stages of extraction and analysis of the giraffe tissue samples has begun. It is hoped that the analyses will be completed and reported on by mid

6 Dr Rick Brenneman, expedition geneticist, explains the sampling process to the camp staff from a Wilderness Safaris Lodge who accompanied and assisted the team on a morning game drive. 6

7 RESULTS In total 44 giraffe DNA (tissue) samples were collected from 3 major populations (Moremi, Chobe NP and the CKGR) which will provide a statistically strong example of the crosssection of natural populations in northern and central Botswana. A table at Annex A highlights the number of tissue biopsy samples collected, an individual identification number, GPS coordinate, and sex and age class for the individual. A Blog of the field research was compiled and includes route, timetable, what happened and with whom as well as any outputs. This warts and all Blog remains available for viewing online at: PROJECT TEAM The core project team were: Dr Julian Fennessy Trustee - Giraffe Conservation Foundation; Chair - International Giraffe Working Group IUCN/SSC/ASG Dr Rick Brenneman Geneticist, Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo; Vice-Chair - International Giraffe Working Group IUCN/SSC/ASG Andy Tutchings Trustee - Giraffe Conservation Foundation Explorers Club Member MI'09 Simon Morris Member Zambia Giraffe Expedition 2008 Additionally, technical and logistical support whilst on the ground was provided by Mr. Kai Collins, Dr Mike Chase and Ms. Kelly Landen, and Wilderness Safaris Botswana. THE FUTURE Over the coming months Henry Doorly Zoo Centre for Research and Conservation will complete the extraction and analysis of the Botswana giraffe samples and compare them with the datasets from across the continent. It is hoped that this work will be finalised and a report furnished to the Botswana Authorities and other colleagues by the middle of 2010, accompanied by a scientific paper submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal. Discussions were held with 'Elephants Without Borders' during the field research regarding the plausibility of a collaborative project on future giraffe conservation efforts throughout Botswana. This collaboration would be exciting and extremely useful in gaining a greater knowledge of giraffe range and numbers in the country. 7

8 All data will be provided to the Botswana Authorities and other interested parties, as appropriate. Additionally, at time of submitting this report, plans are nearing conclusion for a subsequent DNA Sampling expedition in 2010 to the remote south western corner of Tanzania (Katavi NP). It is hoped this will also receive Explorers Club Flag status, and anticipated that this expedition will be accompanied by Florianfilm, and feature as one of a 5 episode series dedicated to the Explorers Club. COLLABORATIONS Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Importantly, DWNP provided support to obtaining the research permit and project in-kind support of free entry and camping accommodation into the various National Parks and s during the expedition. This was invaluable to the success of the project. Mohamed bin Zayed Conservation Fund The Mohamed bin Zayed Conservation Fund provided in valuable financial support to the project. Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust The Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust provided in valuable financial support to the project. Chester Zoo Chester Zoo provided in valuable financial support to the project. Wilderness Safaris (WS) WS provided invaluable logistic, personnel and accommodation support both in Maun and at the various camps we stayed in Moremi and CKGR. Elephants Without Borders (EWB) EWB assisted as a research partner, use of research equipment (dart gun), logistics, and general support for this expedition. EWB assisted with contacts and accommodation recommendations. The Explorers Club This expedition was awarded Flag Status by The Explorers Club. 8

9 SELECTED REFERENCES Brenneman, R.A., Baysdorfer, C., Brown, D.M., Burgess, A, Pierson, D.J. and Louis Jr., E.E Subspecific Assessment of Giraffe in the North American Captive Population Compared to Extant Giraffe Populations across Africa. Report presented to the North American Captive Giraffe Species Survival Plan, February 27, 2004, Orlando, Florida. Brenneman, R.A., Bagine, R., Brown, D.M., Ndetei, R. and Louis Jr, E.E. Implications of Closed Ecosystem Conservation Management on Migratory Megafauna: the Decline of the Rothschild s Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) Population of Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya. African Journal of Ecology. (In Press, 2009). Brenneman, R.A., Louis, E.E., Jr., Fennessy, J.T. Genetic architecture of two populations of the Namibian giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis. African Journal of Ecology (In Press, 2009). Brown, D., Brenneman, R., Koepfli, K-P., Pollinger, J., Milá, B., Louis Jr. E.E, Georgiadis, N., Grether, G. and Wayne, R.K. (2007). Extensive population genetic structure in the giraffe. BMC Biology DOI: Dagg, A.I. and Foster, J.B. (1976) The Giraffe: Its Biology, Behavior, and Ecology. Kreiger Publishing, Inc., Malabar FL. DWNP (2005) Botswana Aerial Census of Wildlife Dry season Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism. Botswana. East, R. (1999) African Antelope Database IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. x pp. Fennessy, J.T. (2004) Ecology of desert-dwelling giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis in northwestern Namibia. PhD. University of Sydney, Australia. Fennessy, J.T. (2008) An Overview of Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis, Taxonomy, Distribution and Conservation Status, with a Namibian Comparative and Focus on the Kunene Region. Journal 56, Namibia Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft / Namibia Scientific Society, Windhoek, Namibia Fennessy, J. and Brown, D. (2009) Giraffa camelopardalis. In: IUCN IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. < Downloaded on 20 March Hassinin, A., Ropiquet, A., Gourmand, A.L., Chardonnet, B. & Rigoulet, J. (2007) Mitochondrial DNA variability in Giraffa camelopardalis: consequences for taxonomy, phylogeography and conservation of giraffes in West and central Africa. C R Biol. 330(3): Huebinger, R.M., Pierson, D.J., De Maar, T.W.J., Brown, D.M., Brenneman, R.A. and Louis Jr. E.E Characterization of sixteen microsatellite marker loci in the Maasai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi). Mol. Ecol. Notes. 2:

10 ANNEX A Data of giraffe DNA samples collected in Botswana Sample ID Location Date GPS GPS Gender # in Group MGR9.01 Moremi Game S E Sub M 2 MGR9.02 Moremi Game S E Sub M 6 MGR9.03 Moremi Game S E Sub F 6 MGR9.04 Moremi Game S E F 6 MGR9.05 Moremi Game S E F 6 MGR9.06 Moremi Game S E Sub M 6 MGR9.07 Moremi Game S E F 2 MGR9.08 Moremi Game S E F nr MGR9.09 Moremi Game S E M 7 MGR9.10 Moremi Game S E M 1 MGR9.11 Moremi Game S E J nd 2 MGR9.12 Moremi Game S E M 2 MGR9.13 Moremi Game S E M 2 MGR9.14 Moremi Game S E Sub M 9 MGR9.15 Moremi Game S E M 2 MGR9.16 Moremi Game S E F 5 MGR9.17 Moremi Game S E F 5 MGR9.18 Moremi Game S E M 5 MGR9.19 Moremi Game S E M 1 MGR9.20 Moremi Game S E Sub nd 20 CNP9.01 Chobe National Park S E F 11 CNP9.02 Chobe National Park S E M 2 CNP9.03 Chobe National Park S E J nd 5 CNP9.04 Chobe National Park S E F 5 CNP9.05 Chobe National Park S E J nd 5 CNP9.06 Chobe National Park S E F 3 CNP9.07 Chobe National Park S E F 4 CNP9.08 Chobe National Park S E M 1 CNP9.09 Chobe National Park S E Sub nd nr CNP9.10 Chobe National Park S E F 6 CNP9.11 Chobe National Park S E M 1 CNP9.12 Chobe National Park S E F 2 CNP9.13 Chobe National Park S E nd 4 CNP9.14 Chobe National Park S E M 1 NXP9.01 Nxai Pans S E M 3 10

11 CKG9.01 CKG9.02 CKG9.03 CKG9.04 CKG9.05 CKG9.06 CKG9.07 CKG9.08 CKG S E Sub F S E F S E M S E F S E M S E F S E F S E M S E Sub M 3 11

12 ANNEX B CURRENT SAMPLE STATUS G. c. angolensis Etosha National Park Hoanib River Catchment Hoarusib/Khumib River Catchments Natural History Museum of Namibia: Etosha National Park G. c. giraffe October, 2002 October, 2002 October, 2002 August, 1995 Kruger National Park 27 November, 1999 G. c. peralta Niger River (Harikanasou region) 28 April, 1999 G. c. reticulata Meru National Park Ol Jogi Pyramid Ol Jogi Ranch Samburu National G. c. rothschildi Giraffe Manor Lake Nakuru National Park Ruma National Park Yoder Flower Farm Murchison Falls National Park G. c. tippelskirchi Athi River Ranch Chyulu Hills 25 May, 1999 Serengeti National Park Tarangire National Park 17 July, 1998 Lake Manyara National Park Lake Naivasha 7 July, 2001 G. c. thornicrofti July, 2001 May, 1999 May, 1999 July, 2001 May, 1999 August, 2001 August, 2001 May, 1999 April, 2003 May 1999 May, July, July, 2001 Luangwa Valley 42 July, July, 2008 North American Captive Population Pedigreed: Reticulated, Rothschild s Masai, and hybrids