Open AccessEstimating the inbreeding level and genetic relatedness in an isolated population of critically endangered Sichuan taimen ( Hucho Bleekeri ) using genome‐wide SNP markers
Author(s) -
Zhang Yongquan,
Luan Peixian,
Ren Guangming,
Hu Guo,
Yin Jiasheng
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.5994
Subject(s) - biology , inbreeding , critically endangered , iucn red list , conservation genetics , population , threatened species , endangered species , effective population size , zoology , evolutionary biology , ecology , genetics , microsatellite , genetic variation , allele , habitat , demography , gene , sociology
Sichuan taimen ( Hucho bleekeri ) is critically endangered fish listed in The Red List of Threatened Species compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF‐seq)‐based genotyping was performed for Sichuan taimen with 43 yearling individuals from three locations in Taibai River (a tributary of Yangtze River) that has been sequestered from its access to the ocean for more than 30 years since late 1980s. Applying the inbreeding level and genetic relatedness estimation using 15,396 genome‐wide SNP markers, we found that the inbreeding level of this whole isolated population was at a low level (2.6 × 10 −3 ± 0.079), and the means of coancestry coefficients within and between the three sampling locations were all very low (close to 0), too. Genomic differentiation was negatively correlated with the geographical distances between the sampling locations ( p < .001), and the 43 individuals could be considered as genetically independent two groups. The low levels of genomic inbreeding and relatedness indicated a relatively large number of sexually mature individuals were involved in reproduction in Taibai River. This study suggested a genomic‐relatedness‐guided breeding and conservation strategy for wild fish species without pedigree information records.