Predictive genetic plan for a captive population of the Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) and prescriptive action for ex situ and in situ conservation management in Thailand.

Kornsuang Jangtarwan,Surin Peyachoknagul,Peerapong Kamsongkram,Prateep Duengkae,Mongkol Safoowong,Wiyada Chamchumroon,Adisorn Kongphoemph,Siwapech Sillapaprayoon,Sanya Intapan,Navapong Subpayakom,Apinya Wongsodchuen,Narongrit Muangmai,Kornsorn Srikulnath,Bi-Song Yue

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0234064

Kornsuang Jangtarwan, Surin Peyachoknagul + Show 12 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0234064

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Abstract

Captive breeding programs for endangered species can increase population numbers for eventual reintroduction to the wild. Captive populations are typically small and isolated, which results in inbreeding and reduction of genetic variability, and may lead to an increased risk of extinction. The Omkoi Wildlife Breeding Center maintains the only Thai captive Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) population, and has plans to reintroduce individuals into natural isolated populations. Genetic variability was assessed within the captive population using microsatellite data. Although no bottleneck was observed, genetic variability was low (allelic richness = 7.091 ± 0.756, He = 0.455 ± 0.219; He < Ho) and 11 microsatellite loci were informative that likely reflect inbreeding. Estimates of small effective population size and limited numbers of founders, combined with wild-born individuals within subpopulations, tend to cause reduction of genetic variability over time in captive programs. This leads to low reproductive fitness and limited ability to adapt to environmental change, thereby increasing the risk of extinction. Management of captive populations as evolutionarily significant units with diverse genetic backgrounds offers an effective strategy for population recovery. Relocation of individuals among subpopulations, or introduction of newly captured wild individuals into the captive program will help to ensure the future security of Chinese goral. Implications for future conservation actions for the species are discussed herein.

Highlights

We are currently facing a “biological annihilation” in terms of the diversity of fauna and flora as the Earth’s sixth mass extinction through the impacts of human activity [1]
Programs of reintroduction involving ex situ and in situ management of captive-bred individuals are necessary for recovery of Chinese goral populations in the wild, but policy decisions are required at the national level [42]
The primary goal is to develop a self-sustaining captive population by minimization of undesirable genetic changes owing to both selective pressure and selective neutrality in the captive environment, avoidance of deleterious effects of inbreeding depression, and maintenance of a novel perspective on genetic management

Summary

Introduction

We are currently facing a “biological annihilation” in terms of the diversity of fauna and flora as the Earth’s sixth mass extinction (or Anthropocene extinction) through the impacts of human activity [1]. Almost 50% of known animal species, including mammals, have been lost in recent decades This suggests that the sixth mass extinction has already progressed further than was previously thought [1]. Active management of wildlife conservation strategies is necessary to ensure that ecosystems remain sustainable and intact. Tropical landscapes such as Thailand are globally important hotspots of biodiversity (e.g., Khonmee et al [2]), endemic species are being confronted by dramatic habitat loss as a result of climate change and anthropogenic activity [3]. It was classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2013, and in a report in Appendix I of the Convention of International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora [10]

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