Isolation and characterization of species-specific microsatellite markers for blue and black wildebeest ( and ).

The bluewildebeest () is distributed throughout southern and east Africa while the black wildebeest () is endemic to South Africa and was driven to near extinction in the early 1900s due to hunting pressure and disease outbreaks. Extensive translocation of both species throughout South Africa is threatening the genetic integrity of blue and blackwilde beest. To effectively manage these species, genetic tools that can be used to detect hybrid individuals, identify genetically unique subpopulations and determine the levels of genetic diversity are required.

Quantitative evaluation of hybridization and the impact on biodiversity conservation.

Anthropogenic hybridization is an increasing conservation threat worldwide. In South Africa, recent hybridization is threatening numerous ungulate taxa. For example, the genetic integrity of the near-threatened bontebok () is threatened by hybridization with the more common blesbok ().