Open AccessPredictive genetic plan for a captive population of the Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) and prescriptive action for ex situ and in situ conservation management in Thailand
Author(s) -
Kornsuang Jangtarwan,
Peerapong Kamsongkram,
Navapong Subpayakom,
Siwapech Sillapaprayoon,
Narongrit Muangmai,
Adisorn Kongphoemph,
Apinya Wongsodchuen,
Sanya Intapan,
Wiyada Chamchumroon,
Mongkol Safoowong,
Surin Peyachoknagul,
Prateep Duengkae,
Kornsorn Srikulnath
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0234064
Subject(s) - biology , captive breeding , population , inbreeding , ex situ conservation , endangered species , zoology , genetic diversity , conservation genetics , effective population size , threatened species , microsatellite , ecology , population bottleneck , minimum viable population , genetic variability , allele , genetics , demography , habitat , sociology , gene , genotype
Captive breeding programs for endangered species can increase population numbers for eventual reintroduction to the wild. Captive populations are typically small and isolated, which results in inbreeding and reduction of genetic variability, and may lead to an increased risk of extinction. The Omkoi Wildlife Breeding Center maintains the only Thai captive Chinese goral ( Naemorhedus griseus ) population, and has plans to reintroduce individuals into natural isolated populations. Genetic variability was assessed within the captive population using microsatellite data. Although no bottleneck was observed, genetic variability was low (allelic richness = 7.091 ± 0.756, H e = 0.455 ± 0.219; H e < H o ) and 11 microsatellite loci were informative that likely reflect inbreeding. Estimates of small effective population size and limited numbers of founders, combined with wild-born individuals within subpopulations, tend to cause reduction of genetic variability over time in captive programs. This leads to low reproductive fitness and limited ability to adapt to environmental change, thereby increasing the risk of extinction. Management of captive populations as evolutionarily significant units with diverse genetic backgrounds offers an effective strategy for population recovery. Relocation of individuals among subpopulations, or introduction of newly captured wild individuals into the captive program will help to ensure the future security of Chinese goral. Implications for future conservation actions for the species are discussed herein.