Bonobos, which are endangered great apes closely related to humans, may be facing greater risks than previously believed, according to a genetics study conducted by a researcher from UCL. This study identifies three separate populations of bonobos.
Bonobos, endangered great apes that are among our closest relatives, might be more vulnerable than previously understood, finds a genetics study led by a UCL researcher that reveals three distinct populations.
Over tens of thousands of years, these three groups of bonobos have been isolated in various regions of Central Africa. This finding comes from research published in Current Biology by an international team that includes scientists from UCL, the University of Vienna, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.
Using genetic testing, the researchers validated earlier suggestions of these three unique bonobo groups that come from central, western, and far-western parts of their habitat. They found the differences among these groups to be as significant as those seen between closely related chimpanzee subspecies.
Bonobos, often described as peacemaking primates, share a close genetic tie with chimpanzees, differing by only 1% in our DNA.
Currently, bonobos are endangered, with around 20,000 surviving in their natural habitat. They are the least studied of great apes because they are confined to the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where ongoing social issues have hampered research efforts.
Dr. Sojung Han, joint first author from the University of Vienna, stated: “Bonobos are a remarkable species, closely related to humans, with unique social behaviors. They form close-knit groups that, despite occasional conflicts, are predominantly peaceful and egalitarian. Notably, males remain in their birth groups while females move between groups, forming strong alliances and sometimes achieving higher ranks than their male counterparts.”
The research team examined genomic data from 30 wild-born bonobos now in captivity. They sequenced the exomes (the parts of the genome that code for proteins) of 20 bonobos residing in an African sanctuary and analyzed the full genomes of another 10 bonobos. Although it was not always clear which area within the Congo each bonobo came from, the researchers combined their findings with previously gathered mitochondrial DNA data from 136 wild bonobos to create a clearer picture of genetic variation among these animals.
The researchers estimated that the central bonobo group separated from the other two groups around 145,000 years ago, while the two western groups diverged 60,000 years later, with little intermingling ever since.
Professor Aida Andrés from the UCL Genetics Institute, the lead author, mentioned: “Bonobos may be even more at risk than we thought because their overall population is actually made up of at least three smaller ones, some of which might have historically been among the smallest when compared to other primate species.”
“To survive, every species requires sufficient genetic diversity for adapting to environmental changes. If one of these three bonobo groups were to disappear, it would lead to a significant loss of the species’ overall genetic diversity. Therefore, it is crucial to conserve all three bonobo groups to ensure the survival of this captivating and charming species.”
The researchers believe that the genetic differences between the bonobo groups warrant further studies, particularly regarding conservation strategies such as habitat protection, translocations, or possible reintroductions when individuals adapt to specific environments.
Dr. Sojung Han added: “In contrast to modern humans, who are spread across the globe, bonobos are restricted to the Congo Basin. However, our research demonstrates that there are indeed genetic distinctions among the groups. This is a thrilling finding, and it will be fascinating to explore any unique adaptations in these groups in the future.”
Dr. Cesare de Filippo, also a joint first author from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, stated: “This research illustrates how examining the genomes of endangered species can enhance our understanding of their population dynamics, ultimately supporting conservation endeavors. Notably, genomic data from captive individuals can sometimes inform us about their wild counterparts. Our findings underline the vulnerability of bonobos as an endangered species and highlight the pressing need to safeguard their habitats for their conservation.”
The study received support from Wellcome and the Max Planck Society, involving researchers from the UK, Austria, Germany, Spain, Denmark, and Israel.
