Moderate Genetic Diversity of MHC Genes in an Isolated Small Population of Black-and-White Snub-Nosed Monkeys ().

Genetic diversity is an essential indicator that echoes the natural selection and environmental adaptation of a species. Isolated small populations are vulnerable to genetic drift, inbreeding, and limited gene flow; thus, assessing their genetic diversity is critical in conservation. In this study, we studied the genetic diversity of black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys () using neutral microsatellites and five adaptive major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes.

Balancing selection shapes population differentiation of major histocompatibility complex genes in wild golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Small and isolated populations face several intrinsic risks, such as genetic drift, inbreeding depression, and reduced gene flow. Thus, patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation have become an important focus of conservation genetics research. The golden snub-nosed monkey , an endangered species endemic to China, has experienced rapid reduction in population size and severe population fragmentation over the past few decades.