Despite the effective size decline in both populations, we did not detect loss in genetic diversity after the epizootic.

Using 17 microsatellite loci, we compared genetic diversity and structure of the populations and estimate their effective size before and after Ebola outbreaks. We carried out long term studies of three populations of Western lowland gorilla in the Republic of the Congo (Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Lossi gorilla sanctuary both affected by Ebola and Lossi's periphery not affected). Although mortality rates are very high, the impacts of Ebola on genetic diversity of Western lowland gorilla have never been assessed.

The Ebola epizootic in western and central Africa induced more than 90% mortality in Western lowland gorilla population. Infectious diseases can have serious consequences for the genetic diversity of populations, which could enhance the species' extinction probability.

Le Gouar, Pascaline J Vallet, Dominique David, Laetitia Bermejo, Magdalena Gatti, Sylvain LevrÃ©ro, Florence Petit, Eric J MÃ©nard, NellyĮmerging infectious diseases in wildlife are major threats for both human health and biodiversity conservation. How Ebola impacts genetics of Western lowland gorilla populations.

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