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Tropentag, September 16 - 18, 2026, Göttingen
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Genetic introgression as a conservation challenge in the endangered wild camel (Camelus ferus) in Mongolia
Anna Jemmett
Wild Camel Protection Foundation, University of Kent, United Kingdom
Abstract
The endangered Wild Camel (Camelus ferus; Mongolian: хавтгай, khavtgai; Chinese: 野骆驼, ye luo tuo) is the only surviving wild species of the Camelini tribe. Restricted to remote regions of the Gobi deserts of Mongolia and China, it faces significant threats from climate change, habitat disruption and small population size. The species can hybridise with domestic Bactrian Camels (Camelus bactrianus), but the extent and origins of genetic introgression have remained poorly understood.
We analysed DNA from 257 individuals, using predominantly non-invasive samples collected from in situ and ex situ Wild Camel populations in Mongolia. Nuclear marker genotyping and mitochondrial DNA sequencing were used to investigate the extent and origins of introgression and assess genetic diversity within these populations.
Our results show evidence of nuclear, mitochondrial and historical Bactrian Camel introgression in the in situ population, as well as in some individuals within the ex situ herd. Nuclear introgression was detected in approximately 10–22% of the in situ population. Combined nuclear and mitochondrial analyses indicated that paternal introgression was the predominant source in both in situ and ex situ populations. The in situ population also exhibited reduced heterozygosity and elevated inbreeding, with similar patterns observed in the ex situ herd.
Although hybridisation is commonly viewed as a threat to species conservation, it can contribute positively to population viability. This presents a complex challenge for conservation management, particularly where thresholds for acceptable introgression remain largely arbitrary. A detailed understanding of genetic diversity and the direction and extent of introgression is therefore crucial in evaluating the conservation consequences of hybridisation and informing evidence-based management strategies for threatened species, such as the Wild Camel.
Contact Address: Anna Jemmett, Wild Camel Protection Foundation, University of Kent, Culcraggie Farmhouse, IV170XE Alness, United Kingdom, e-mail: amj36
kent.ac.uk
