Abstrakt: |
Simple Summary: Biodiversity is being lost at a rapid pace, with habitats being reduced and fragmented. Wild populations are declining, and zoos have become a crucial component of species conservation. However, zoo populations tend to be limited in size and based on few founders, which elevates the risk of genetic diversity loss. As the management needed to prevent such a risk is commonly reliant on incomplete and inaccurate pedigree data, the inclusion of molecular methods is recommended. This study assessed the relationship between the level of genetic diversity and management strategies, conservation status, demography, and geographic origin in European zoo populations of six spiral horned-antelope taxa using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. We identified an association between the values of genetic diversity and the intensity of management, as well as the diversity and contribution of wild populations to founders of the captive stocks. Some zoo populations apparently consist of animals from genetically distinct lineages, which could have elevated the captive genetic diversity parameters but needs to be carefully considered as it can disrupt adaptive potential. The study shows that with careful interpretation, genetic data are very useful in the management of captive populations. The rapid loss of biodiversity and the associated reduction and fragmentation of habitats means that ex situ populations have become an important part of species conservation. These populations, which are often established from a small number of founders, require careful management to avoid the negative effects of genetic drift and inbreeding. Although the inclusion of molecular data is recommended, their availability for captive breeding management remains limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of genetic diversity in six spiral-horned antelope taxa bred under human care and their respective management strategies, conservation status, demography, and geographic origin, using 10 nuclear DNA microsatellite loci and mitochondrial control region DNA sequences. Our findings include associations between genetic diversity and management intensity but also with the diversity and contribution of wild populations to captive founders, with some populations apparently composed of animals from divergent wild lineages elevating captive genetic diversity. When population sizes are large, the potential advantages of maximizing genetic diversity in widely outcrossed populations may need careful consideration with respect to the potential disruption of adaptive diversity. Genetic data serve as a robust tool for managing captive populations, yet their interpretation necessitates a comprehensive understanding of species biology and history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |