Open AccessReduced genetic variability in a captive-bred population of the endangered Hume’s pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae, Hume 1881) revealed by microsatellite genotyping and D-loop sequencing
Author(s) -
Jitmat Thintip,
Worapong Singchat,
Syed Farhan Ahmad,
Nattakan Ariyaraphong,
Narongrit Muangmai,
Wiyada Chamchumroon,
Klinsak Pitiwong,
Warong Suksavate,
Sutee Duangjai,
Prateep Duengkae,
Kornsorn Srikulnath
Publication year - 2021
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.0256573
Subject(s) - captive breeding , biology , endangered species , inbreeding , inbreeding depression , population , pheasant , microsatellite , zoology , genetic monitoring , genetic variability , evolutionary biology , conservation genetics , population bottleneck , genetic diversity , genetics , ecology , genotype , allele , demography , sociology , habitat , gene
Captive breeding programs are crucial to ensure the survival of endangered species and ultimately to reintroduce individuals into the wild. However, captive-bred populations can also deteriorate due to inbreeding depression and reduction of genetic variability. We genotyped a captive population of 82 individuals of the endangered Hume’s pheasant ( Syrmaticus humiae , Hume 1881) at the Doi Tung Wildlife Breeding Center to assess the genetic consequences associated with captive breeding. Analysis of microsatellite loci and mitochondrial D-loop sequences reveal significantly reduced genetic differentiation and a shallow population structure. Despite the low genetic variability, no bottleneck was observed but 12 microsatellite loci were informative in reflecting probable inbreeding. These findings provide a valuable source of knowledge to maximize genetic variability and enhance the success of future conservation plans for captive and wild populations of Hume’s pheasant.