The Darwin Scholar will undertake the first region-wide population genetic study of forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), a keystone species of Afrotropical rain forests. The status of forest elephant populations is unclear, with little information available on genetic structure. Experience gained during the Darwin grant will be adapted with the Scholar creating a genetic database, permitting analyses of genetic diversity throughout the region, and identifying potentially threatened or isolated populations. This support will provide training in the development, management and evaluation of scientific projects, in addition to consolidating Gabon’s capacity in conservation genetics and molecular ecology of its tropical ecosystem.
