On a finer scale, we find substantial variation in genetic diversity, including a marked reduction close to the major histocompatibility locus, perhaps indicative of recent strong selection there. In western lowland gorillas, there is an elevation of variation towards telomeres and centromeres on the chromosomal scale. Focusing on the western lowland population, we observe evidence for population substructure, and a deficit of rare genetic variants suggesting a recent episode of population contraction. We find that the two species are genetically distinct, based on levels of heterozygosity and patterns of allele sharing. We identify 3,006,670 polymorphic sites in 14 individuals: 12 western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and 2 eastern lowland gorillas ( Gorilla beringei graueri). Here, we present a genome-wide survey of genetic variation in gorillas using a reduced representation sequencing approach, focusing on the two lowland subspecies. Whole genome assembly projects have provided an invaluable foundation for understanding genetics in all four genera, but to date genetic studies of multiple individuals within great ape species have largely been confined to mitochondrial DNA and a small number of other loci. All non-human great apes are endangered in the wild, and it is therefore important to gain an understanding of their demography and genetic diversity.

Go wild gorillas map