Population genetic studies in the Kimberley of Western Australia

More than 800 blood samples from members of 13 tribal groups in the northwest of Australia have been tested for 18 enzyme systems controlled by 21 loci and for haemoglobin. Two novel alleles, PGM2(11) and ACP1F, are each restricted to a single tribal population, suggesting relatively recent mutations. Other alleles conform very broadly with their distributions in other Australian Aboriginal populations. In particular, PGM2(3) maintains its inland distribution whilst PGDE and PEP B6 continue to be restricted to the north of the continent. Comparisons between tribes show the Baada to be distinctive, with high values of PGM1(2), GPT2, CA2(4) and ESD2 as well as having the novel allele ACP1F.