Integrating population genomics and environmental data to predict adaptation to climate change in post-bottleneck Tibetan macaques

Abstract

Rapid climate change represents a profound threat to biodiversity. Understanding the local adaptations and their vulnerabilities to climate change are imperative for developing conservation measures. Here, we combined a multidisciplinary approach to determine the local adaptations of an endemic and near-threatened primate, aiming to reveal its potential to cope with future climate change. Results suggest that climatic fluctuations played an important role in shaping its demographic trajectory and genetic structure. In addition, Tibetan macaques have experienced a severe bottleneck in the recent past, with highly deleterious mutations partially removed, but moderately deleterious mutations accumulating. The severe bottleneck and lower genetic diversity may have reduced their potential to adapt to environmental change, which will compromise long-term viability. Furthermore, we found that the eastern group exhibited higher genomic offsets and loss of suitable habitat in response to climate change. Overall, we emphasize the importance of integrating population genomics and environmental data to predict the adaptation of post-bottleneck populations to rapid climate change.