Abstract
Major histocompatibility complex genes (MHC), a gene cluster that controls the immune response to parasites, are regarded as an important determinant of mate choice. However, MHC‐based mate choice studies are especially rare for endangered animals. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a flagship species, has suffered habitat loss and fragmentation. We investigated the genetic variation of three MHC class II loci, including DRB1, DQA1, and DQA2, for 19 mating‐pairs and 11 parent‐pairs of wild giant pandas based on long‐term field behavior observations and genetic samples. We tested four hypotheses of mate choice based on this MHC variation. We found no supporting evidence for the MHC‐based heterosis, genetic diversity, genetic compatibility and “good gene” hypotheses. These results suggest that giant pandas may not use MHC‐based signals to select mating partners, probably because limited mating opportunities or female‐biased natal dispersal restricts selection for MHC‐based mate choice, acknowledging the caveat of the small sample size often encountered in endangered animal studies. Our study provides insight into the mate choice mechanisms of wild giant pandas and highlights the need to increase the connectivity and facilitate dispersal among fragmented populations and habitats.
Highlights
Sexual reproduction is an advanced but relatively inefficient reproductive style
A previous study on captive giant pandas showed that higher copulation and birth rates can be obtained if females are allowed to mate with their preferred partners, implying that mate choice may occur in wild pandas (Martin- Wintle et al, 2015)
| 8644 and noninvasive genetic sampling (2006-2016) in the Foping and Changqing Nature Reserves to test whether major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-based mechanisms play a role in male–male competition and mate choice in wild giant pandas
Summary
Sexual reproduction is an advanced but relatively inefficient reproductive style. This paradox of sexual reproduction has been interpreted with several hypotheses, including the Red Queen hypothesis. Huchard, Raymond, et al (2010) found that in a wild baboon population (Papio ursinus), MHC-based sexual signals were conveyed via physical condition This evidence shows that females can choose mates who harbor special MHC genes through physical signals. A previous study on captive giant pandas showed that higher copulation and birth rates can be obtained if females are allowed to mate with their preferred partners, implying that mate choice may occur in wild pandas (Martin- Wintle et al, 2015). Zhang, Wu, Hu, Wu, and Wei (2015) analyzed the correlation between MHC genetic diversity and parasite infection in wild giant pandas and found a target MHC gene associated with parasite infection. | 8644 and noninvasive genetic sampling (2006-2016) in the Foping and Changqing Nature Reserves to test whether MHC-based mechanisms play a role in male–male competition and mate choice in wild giant pandas
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
