Nicholas Georgiadis

Mr. Collins Ouma, the MSc student from Kenyatta University assigned to this project, has done a terrific job on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) phase, with 70 samples from 4 populations in Kenya (Laikipia, Ruma, Naivasha, Nairobi), and two in Tanzania (Serengeti and Ngorongoro), sequenced for about 500 base pairs, including the extraction of DNA from dung to boost sample sizes. There may be a few more samples to add to this from Meru NP, where there are so few hartebeest left they are very hard to sample (Dr. Richard Kock is conducting a rinderpest survey there and might be able to obtain a few samples from a helicopter). We are currently analysing these results.

Despite the difficulties encountered - mostly related to doing DNA analysis 'in the field' in Africa, so far from the source of required chemicals, having to learn how to get DNA from dung, and acquiring the import permit for ruminant DNA from the USDA, which took 6 months and much correspondence, following 9/11, anthrax, foot and mouth etc - all the effort that went into creating a basic DNA lab at Mpala now has a product: results will show how the Laikipia and Ruma hartebeest differ genetically from each other, and from other hartebeest populations across Africa, at least for mtDNA.

While this kind of analysis is relatively straightforward in the developed world, we have shown we can do basic conservation genetics at Mpala for threatened species, non-invasively. It's very significant for Mpala, and indeed Kenya. Moreover, the data were available just in time for Collins Ouma to attend a course on Conservation Genetics in the US, where he is currently learning how to analyse DNA sequences using his own data. On the day before he left, Collins was showing two PI's with projects on zebras and wild dogs here at Mpala how to extract DNA from dung. To me, the fact that a Kenyan student was showing the professors how it's done adds a certain satisfaction - this is what Mpala should be all about!

Website: www.nasm.si.edu/mpala

First, we have been to both Meru and Ruma National Parks, sampling hartebeest (and giraffe for another, similar study). We found the hartebeest populations in both places greatly reduced (probably less than 50 in each), and very hard to approach.Thus I obtained few biopsy samples, and some dung samples (which can also yield DNA), but enough to work with (I already had dozens in the freezer).

Second, the MSc student who will analyse the samples, Collins Ouma, arrived on schedule (August 1), and has begun to work in the lab.I am very impressed with his knowledge and skill with lab work, doing new things right first time (eg a new DNA extraction protocol yesterday), making good judgements, and achieving his goals - he's great.I knew he had had some experience, but his level seems like a huge bonus.

Third, in the wake of a few papers that have been published recently on hartebeest genetics, we have planned a slightly different analytical strategy to the one proposed originally, which was to first screen samples for genetic variation using restriction enzymes, then to sequence representative haplotypes.We will now sequence all samples, skipping the restriction analysis.

While in Ruma NP, I was also able to sample the small population of Roan antelope there, the ONLY population of Roan in Kenya (this was also unanticipated).There has been some speculation about introducing additional Roan from Tanzania, either to Ruma or elsewhere. I happen to have 20 Roan samples from Tanzania in the freezer, and have asked Collins if he would like to add this small project to his analysis - naturally he said yes! Thus, his masters will comprise two parts, both addressing conservation issues for endangered ungulate populations in Kenya.