Abstract
Breeding management of small populations may have a critical influence on the development of population characteristics in terms of levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding. Two populations of antelope sister species – Critically Endangered Western Derby eland (Tauroragus derbianus derbianus) and non-native Least Concern Cape eland (Taurotragus oryx oryx) bred under different management strategies were studied in Senegal, Western Africa. The aims of the study were to compare the population genetic parameters of the two species and to test for the presence of interspecific hybrids. In total, blood and tissue samples from 76 Western Derby elands and 26 Cape elands were investigated, using 12 microsatellite markers. No hybrid individuals were detected in the sampled animals within the multispecies enclosure in Bandia Reserve, Senegal. The parameters of genetic polymorphism indicated much lower genetic diversity in Western Derby elands compared to Cape elands. On the other hand, the coefficient of inbreeding was low in both species. It is hypothesized that this could be a positive effect of strict population management of Western Derby elands, which, despite the loss of genetic diversity, minimizes inbreeding.
Highlights
Genetic diversity represents an essential pillar for the survival of populations through the possibility of adapting to a changing environment
Samples from CE were obtained by random sampling of live calves at the age of 1–3 years, animals that died naturally, and surplus males and older calf-less females culled for meat production by the staff of Bandia Reserve
All samples were collected in Senegal in the period 2005–2017 by the NGO Derbianus Conservation (DC, formerly Derbianus Czech Society for African Wildlife) in cooperation with the Directorate of National Parks of Senegal (DPN) and Society for the Protection of Environment and Fauna in Senegal (SPEFS), who are recognized on an international level (Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of the Environment of Senegal; Implementation Agreement to the Memorandum between the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic, DC and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague; Trilateral Agreement between DC, DPN, and SPEFS)
Summary
Genetic diversity represents an essential pillar for the survival of populations through the possibility of adapting to a changing environment. For the decision-making process, it is essential to know some basic information about the kinship and genetic variability of the individuals[9] which is usually recorded in studbooks. There are species with better background information recorded, where a high proportion of their pedigree is known (% PK). These are mainly endangered species for which special ex situ conservation programmes have been created, such as the European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs) for species like the Cuvier’s gazelle (Gazella cuvieri, 100% PK)[13], or the recently established EAZA Ex situ Programmes[10]. Pedigree data are especially valuable in the evaluation of ancestry and kinship[14] but even the studbooks do not guarantee reliable information concerning genetic parameters of polymorphism within the populations. The populations can face problems with interspecific hybridization, which is considered as a very important factor that endangers
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