Genetic variation of blood proteins within and between local populations of grivet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops aethiops) in Central ethiopia

A population Genetic study by blood protein electrophoresis revealed that populations of wild grivet monkeys in central Ethiopia show a comparatively low level of variability and less differentiation among local populations over broad geographical areas. This is evaluated by comparison with other wild primate studies using the same electrophoretic technique. A total of 196 blood samples, collected form 10 local population comprising 11 troops distributed along approximately 600 km of the Awash River, were examined for 33 genetic loci. The low level of variability was indicated by the proportion of polymorphic loci (P_poly), which was on average 11% with an average heterozygosity (H) of 3%. A tendency for lower genetic differentiation among local population was shown by the GST value of 0.09, an average FST of 0.08, and NEI'S genetic distance; ranging form 0.002 to 0.023. Considering paleoclimatological studies of area and ecological traits of this species, these findings can be explained as a consequence of a comparatively recent and repeated series of rapid habitat expansions following severe climatic conditions.