# Hybridization in an isolated population of blesbok and red hartebeest

## TL;DR

A study found that hybridization between blesbok and red hartebeest in a captive setting produced sterile offspring, suggesting limited hybridization risk in the wild.

## Contribution

The study confirms sterility in hybrids and highlights the need for genetic monitoring in captive populations.

## Key findings

- Seven hybrid individuals were identified using genetic analysis.
- Mitochondrial analysis showed hybridization occurred between blesbok females and a red hartebeest male.
- Hybrid males had undeveloped testes, suggesting sterility.

## Abstract

Hybridization in antelope species has been widely reported in South African national parks and provincial reserves as well as on private land due to anthropogenic effects. In a closed management setting, hybridization may occur due to the crossbreeding of closely related species with unequal sex ratios, resulting in either sterile or fertile offspring. In this study, we used molecular techniques to evaluate the risk of anthropogenic hybridization between blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) and red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) in an isolated group that purposely included the two species with unequal sex ratios (one red hartebeest male and 19 male and female blesbok). Genetic analysis based on microsatellites confirmed the presence of seven hybrid individuals. Mitochondrial analysis verified that hybridization occurred between blesbok females and the red hartebeest male. STRUCTURE and NEWHYBRIDS classified the hybrids as F1. It is suspected that the hybrid individuals were sterile as the males had undeveloped testes and only F1 hybrids were detected. Thus, the risk of hybridization between these two species may be limited in the wild. In captive settings, genetic monitoring should be included in management plans for blesbok and red hartebeest to ensure that the long‐term consequences of wasted reproductive effort are limited.

A genetic investigation of hybridization between blesbok and red hartebeest determined that offspring are sterile. These results support that the risk of hybridization between blesbok and red hartebeest may be limited in the wild and would result in wasted reproductive effort.