Abstract
Captive breeding programs are an important tool for the conservation of endangered species. These programs are commonly managed using pedigrees containing information about the history of each individual's family, such as breeding pairs and parentage. However, there are some species that are kept in groups where it is hard to distinguish between particular individuals within the group, making it very difficult to record any information at an individual level. Currently, software and methods commonly used for registering and analyzing pedigrees to help manage populations at an individual level are not adequate for managing these group‐living species. Therefore, there is a need to further develop these tools and methodologies for pedigree analysis to better manage group‐living species. PMx is a program used for the management of ex situ populations in zoos and aquariums. We adapted the pedigree analysis method implemented in PMx to analyze pedigrees (records of descendant lineages) of group‐living species. In addition, we developed a group pedigree data entry sheet and group2PMx, a converter program that enables group datasets to be imported into PMx. We show how pedigree analysis of a group‐living species can be used for population management using the studbook of the endangered Texas blind cave salamander Eurycea rathbuni. Such analyses of the pedigree of groups can improve the management of group‐living species in ex situ breeding programs. Firstly, it enables better management decisions based on more accurate genetic measures between groups, allowing for greater control of inbreeding. Secondly, it can improve the conditions in which group‐living species are held by adapting husbandry practices to better reflect conditions of these species living in the wild. The use of the spreadsheet and group2PMx extends the application of PMx, allowing conservation managers and other institutions outside the zoo and aquarium community to easily import and analyze their pedigree data.
Highlights
Conservation of genetic diversity and conservation of species diversity are two of the most recognized requirements for the conservation of biodiversity (Frankham 1995)
We address the challenges of group management (Leus et al 2011) by extending pedigree analysis techniques from individual-managed diploid species to the genetic management of group-living diploid species
We provide an example of pedigree analysis of a group-living species, the Texas blind cave salamander, and show how this can be used for the management of the population
Summary
Conservation of genetic diversity and conservation of species diversity are two of the most recognized requirements for the conservation of biodiversity (Frankham 1995). Zoos and aquariums manage ex situ breeding programs aiming to retain as much genetic diversity of these populations as possible (Ballou et al 2010). Ex situ breeding programs have contributed immensely in recovering the genetic diversity of several endangered species (Conde et al 2011). Information about the life history of individuals (pedigrees) held in zoos and aquariums are kept in studbooks (Van Dyke 2010). The coordination and organization of ex situ breeding programs are usually based on analyzing these pedigrees to genetically manage collections and control breeding pairings. Development of methodologies for pedigree analysis has contributed substantially to the fields of animal a 2015 The Authors.
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