Phenotypic differences, spatial distribution and diversity at the Cytb and BMP4 genes in springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

The springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) is a significant contributor to the economically important game ranching sector in Southern Africa. Phenotypic variation between springbok from the Karoo and Kalahari regions has been reported by several sources, with springbok from the Kalahari regarded as the larger form. There is no consensus on whether the two variants are determined by heredity, environment or a combination of the two. We studied variation in 80 individuals from four springbok populations using both a gene widely used for population studies (Cytb) and a gene that effects growth (BMP4). Results from Cytb haplotypes and BMP4 diploid gene sequences reveal moderate differentiation among springbok sampled from different regions. We also found a CA tandem repeat motive with high variability at the 3′ end of the BMP4 gene region sequenced (the third exon). There is some support for a hypothesis that nominally short and long fragments at this BMP4 repeat are associated with different populations, which may indicate either neutral genetic differentiation between spatially isolated forms, or a relationship between phenotype and BMP4 genotype. We also present new primer sequences to amplify both a partial fragment of the BMP4 gene region and the complete BMP4 tandem repeat motive in springbok.