| Popis: |
The Philippine cockatoo or “katala” (Cacatua haematuropygia) is a Critically Endangered parrot species endemic to the Philippines with an estimated wild population of up to 1,120 individuals. Threats to its continued existence include habitat destruction and poaching for the pet trade. While protected populations exist in Palawan under the care of the Katala Foundation Inc., no previous genetic studies aimed at quantifying genetic diversity in the protected populations have been done. This study examines two mitochondrial genes, ND2 and COX1, in protected populations of the katala. ND2 was sequenced for 101 individuals while for COX1, 103 individuals were successfully sequenced. Results show that very few haplotypes are present for both ND2 and COX1 and there is a possible reduction of genetic diversity over time. In addition, the nuclear gene TGFB2 was examined for 31 individuals. TGFB2 sequences were highly similar, further supporting the hypothesis of a possible genetic bottleneck. Future conservation work and breeding efforts for the species should consider the possible consequences of reduced genetic diversity. |
