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Parentage verification of a mountain zebra ( Equus zebra hartmannae ) using polymorphic microsatellite markers
Author(s) -
Breen Matthew,
Irvin Zlata,
Downs Peter,
Gill Ian,
Bircher Peter,
Hart Niki,
Bell Kevin
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430140509
Subject(s) - equus , biology , zebra (computer) , captive breeding , microsatellite , zoology , confusion , capra , evolutionary biology , endangered species , ecology , genetics , habitat , psychology , allele , computer science , gene , psychoanalysis , operating system
The Hartmann's mountain zebra ( Equus zebra hartmannae ) has been classified by the IUCN as a vulnerable species. Approximately 300 individuals, maintained in zoos throughout Europe and the United States of America, are being managed as part of a captive breeding program. An International Studbook is maintained for the Hartmann's mountain zebra at Marwell Zoological Park, UK. Despite the use of a variety of means to identify each individual in a captive herd, confusion sometimes occurs, resulting in the misidentification of an animal. Here we report the first application of DNA typing, using polymorphic microsatellite loci, to resolve a misidentification involving two female Hartmann's mountain zebra. This case demonstrates the way in which genetic tests derived from a related domesticated species may be used as an effective tool for captive management. Further, this case highlights the need to be able to conclusively identify captive individuals and to maintain accurate pedigree information for successful captive management. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.