Browsing by Author "Omondi, Patrick"

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    Population Genetic Structure of Savannah Elephants in Kenya: Conservation and Management Implications
    (Journal of heredity, 2008) Okello, John B. A.; Masembe, Charles; Rasmussen, Henrik B.; Wittemyer, George; Omondi, Patrick; Kahindi, Onesmas; Muwanika, Vincent B.; Arctander, Peter; Douglas-Hamilton, Iain; Nyakaana, Silvester; Siegismund, Hans R.
    We investigated population genetic structure and regional differentiation among African savannah elephants in Kenya using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. We observed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) nucleotide diversity of 1.68% and microsatellite variation in terms of average number of alleles, expected and observed heterozygosities in the total study population of 10.20, 0.75, and 0.69, respectively. Hierarchical analysis of molecular variance of mtDNA variation revealed significant differentiation among the 3 geographical regions studied (FCT 5 0.264; P , 0.05) and a relatively lower differentiation among populations within regions (FSC 5 0.218; P , 0.0001). Microsatellite variation significantly differentiated among populations within regions (FSC 5 0.019; P , 0.0001) but not at the regional levels (FCT 5 0.000; P . 0.500). We attribute the high differentiation at the mitochondrial genome to the matrilineal social structure of elephant populations, female natal philopatry, and probably ancient vicariance. Lack of significant regional differentiation at the nuclear loci vis-a-vis strong differences at mtDNA loci between regions is likely the effect of subsequent homogenization through male-mediated gene flow. Our results depicting 3 broad regional mtDNA groups and the observed population genetic differentiation as well as connectivity patterns should be incorporated in the planning of future management activities such as translocations.
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    Three spatially separate records confirm the presence of and provide a range extension for the giant pangolin Smutsia gigantea in Kenya
    (Cambridge University Press, 2022-07-04) Sandri, Tommy; Okell, Claire; Nixon, Stuart; Matthews, Naomi; Omengo, Fred; Mathenge, James; Ndambuki, Stephen; Challender, Daniel W.S.; Chepkwony, Richard; Omondi, Patrick; Ngene, Shadrack; Cain, Bradley
    Abstract Abstract Pangolins are some of the most overexploited but least studied mammals. The giant pangolin Smutsia gigantea is the largest of the eight pangolin species, measuring up to 180 cm in length and weighing up to 40 kg. It is a nocturnal, solitary species that occurs at low densities and little is known regarding its biology and ecology. It is distributed widely across the rainforests and forest savannah mosaics of equatorial Africa but its exact range extent is unknown. Apart from a single record in Kenya predating 1971, the eastern limit of its range was thought only to extend to central Uganda and western Tanzania. Here we present three spatially separate records confirming the presence of this species in Kenyan Afromontane forests. The three records are c. 120 km apart and c. 500 km east of the nearest confirmed giant pangolin population in Uganda. These records represent a significant range extension for the species and highlight the biodiversity and conservation importance of the Afromontane forests of western Kenya.