Globally important diversity discovered in Cambodia’s largest remaining elephant population

Understanding genetic composition of vulnerable wildlife populations can assist with evidence-based management plans that support survival and recovery. Small highly fragmented elephant populations across southeast Asia are threatened by escalating rates of forest loss and fragmentation, yet are often understudied. This study assesses genetic diversity and population structure of elephants in three contiguous protected areas of eastern Cambodia. Genetic population parameters were assessed using microsatellite, single nucleotide polymorphism, and mitochondrial markers. Despite evidence of a recent population contraction, the wider population still retained globally high genetic diversity (He = 0.60, Hd = 0.815, π = 0.043). Co-occurrence of alpha and beta mitochondrial clades were found in each geographic group. Nine mitochondrial haplotypes were detected, three of which are considered novel in wild populations. No major genetic differences between elephants in the three protected areas were found within the Structure and PCA results. However, fixation indices were significant, suggesting some population variation. Given anecdotal evidence of recent fragmentation and the long generation time for Asian elephants, genetic erosion may not yet be evident. To maintain genetic diversity levels and permit geneflow exchange between remaining elephant groups, conservation strategies should focus on maintaining and restoring range-relevant habitat and migration pathways.