ArticleEcology and evolution2025
Genomics Reveals Distinct Evolutionary Lineages in Asian Elephants.
Article in Ecology and evolution, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Massive Genetic Diversity Loss Within Asian Elephant Subspecies: New Insights for Determining Conservation Priorities.Genome biology and evolution · 2026Article
- Genomics Reveals Distinct Evolutionary Lineages in Asian Elephants.Ecology and evolution · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
10 authors.
Funding
Abstract
This study introduces, for the first time, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from predominantly wild-born Asian elephants currently housed in European zoos, covering the distribution range of Asian elephants. With this WGS data, we aim to validate the current designation of Asian elephant subspecies and address currently discussed ambiguities about their origin, particularly concerning Bornean and Sri Lankan elephants by analyzing population structure, determining divergence times, and exploring ancient and recent bottlenecks. Understanding the evolutionary history of the Asian elephant subspecies is essential for developing targeted conservation strategies and mitigating risks to their survival. Analysis reveals a clear population structure with relatively recent splits, delineating three distinct genetic clusters: Borneo, Sumatra, and Asian Mainland, with Sri Lanka forming an additional group. We estimated the divergence time between Bornean and Sumatran elephants to be around 170,000 years ago. The divergence of the Sri Lankan elephant from the Mainland is estimated to have occurred around 48,000 years ago, with Sri Lankan elephants predominantly clustering with those from Myanmar, possibly due to historical trade networks. The genome of the Bornean elephant exhibited signatures of severe bottlenecks as recently as 8 and 38 generations ago, further supporting hypotheses of their introduction. Our data reflect the current Asian elephant subspecies designation. Additionally, for the first time, the Sumatra elephant is confirmed as a distinct subspecies with genomic data. Furthermore, the study discusses genetic management strategies for ex-situ populations, emphasizing the importance of implementing cluster-specific conservation measures.
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Registered trials
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