Genomic Signatures of Microgeographic Adaptation in Anopheles coluzzii Across Urban, Rural, and Forested Environments in Gabon

A study on Anopheles coluzzii, a major malaria mosquito in Gabon, reveals rapid microgeographic adaptation in populations despite ongoing gene flow. Using whole genome re-sequencing of 96 mosquitoes, researchers identified strong selective pressures in urban areas, likely due to insecticides or pollution, while proximate rural and forested populations showed distinctive soft-selective sweeps on standing genetic variation. Demographic analyses suggest a ∼12,000-year-old divergence between urban Libreville and La Lopé National Park populations, followed by asymmetric gene flow around 4,000 years ago. The findings highlight how local adaptation persists in heterogeneous environments, advancing understanding of malaria mosquito evolution.

Daron, J., Bouafou, L., Tennessen, J. A., Rahola, N., Talignani, L., Makanga, B., Akone‐Ella, O., Ngangue, M. F., Longo Pendy, N. M., Paupy, C., Neafsey, D. E., Fontaine, M. C., & Ayala, D. (2026). Genomic Signatures of Microgeographic Adaptation in Anopheles coluzzii Across Urban, Rural, and Forested Environments in Gabon. Molecular Ecology, 35(8). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.70349