Comparative population genomics reveals evolutionary potential and conservation priorities in three Procapra species.

Procapra species show that census size alone does not predict genetic risk, with MG having the highest genetic diversity and PG experiencing severe demographic decline despite a larger census size.

• Why it matters: Understanding how demographic history influences genetic diversity and inbreeding is crucial for effective conservation, especially amid habitat loss and fragmentation affecting these species.
• What they did: Researchers assembled chromosome-level genomes and analyzed whole-genome resequencing data from 93 individuals across three Procapra species, examining their demographic histories and genetic risks.
• The result: MG exhibited the highest genetic diversity and lowest inbreeding, while PG, despite a smaller census size, retained intermediate diversity but faces elevated inbreeding and decline, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.