The new study has revealed that the Blue Antelope’s extinction was not a simple matter of overhunting or habitat loss. Instead, the researchers found that the species’ genetic makeup made it particularly vulnerable to the pressures of European colonization.
Genetic Factors in Extinction
The researchers analyzed the genetic diversity of the Blue Antelope and discovered that the species had low levels of genetic variation. This lack of genetic diversity made the Blue Antelope less able to adapt to the changes brought about by European settlement, such as habitat destruction, disease, and competition from introduced species.
Low Genetic Diversity
The low genetic diversity of the Blue Antelope was likely due to a small founder population and limited gene flow over the species’ history. This reduced the species’ ability to adapt to new challenges and made it more susceptible to the pressures of European colonization.
The researchers believe that the combination of genetic factors and the impacts of European settlement ultimately led to the Blue Antelope’s extinction. This study highlights the importance of understanding the genetic makeup of endangered species and the role it plays in their ability to survive environmental and human-induced changes.