Mopane worm faces genetic diversity crisis in Southern Africa

SOUTHERN Africa's beloved mopane worm ~ a nutritional powerhouse and a lifeline for many rural communities - may be far more vulnerable than previously understood.

- STAFF REPORTER

A NEW study led by Stellenbosch University has found striking gaps in the genetic diversity of mopane worms across Southern Africa, raising red flags for the species' long-term survival. | Supplied

(Supplied)

A new study led by Stellenbosch University (SU) has found striking gaps in the species’ genetic diversity across the region, raising red flags for its long-term survival.

Researchers from SU, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Botswana International University of Science & Technology and Namibia's Ongava Research Centre analysed DNA from mopane worms in Namibia and the Limpopo River Basin.

Their findings, published in Conservation Genetics, show that despite the worms cultural and economic significance, “not enough information” exists on how populations are distributed or how resilient they are to environmental change.