Abstract
The fragmentation of habitats and hunting have impacted the Asian woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus), leading to a serious risk of extinction in Thailand. Programs of active captive breeding, together with careful genetic monitoring, can play an important role in facilitating the creation of source populations with genetic variability to aid the recovery of endangered species. Here, the genetic diversity and population structure of 86 Asian woolly-necked storks from three captive breeding programs [Khao Kheow Open Zoo (KKOZ) comprising 68 individuals, Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (NRZ) comprising 16 individuals, and Dusit Zoo (DSZ) comprising 2 individuals] were analyzed using 13 microsatellite loci, to aid effective conservation management. Inbreeding and an extremely low effective population size (Ne) were found in the KKOZ population, suggesting that deleterious genetic issues had resulted from multiple generations held in captivity. By contrast, a recent demographic bottleneck was observed in the population at NRZ, where the ratio of Ne to abundance (N) was greater than 1. Clustering analysis also showed that one subdivision of the KKOZ population shared allelic variability with the NRZ population. This suggests that genetic drift, with a possible recent and mixed origin, occurred in the initial NRZ population, indicating historical transfer between captivities. These captive stork populations require improved genetic variability and a greater population size, which could be achieved by choosing low-related individuals for future transfers to increase the adaptive potential of reintroduced populations. Forward-in-time simulations such as those described herein constitute the first step in establishing an appropriate source population using a scientifically managed perspective for an in situ and ex situ conservation program in Thailand.
Highlights
The Asian woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus) is a large endangered species on the IUCN Red List [1]
Blood samples were collected from the ventral tail vein using a 24-gauge needle attached to a 3-ml disposable syringe containing 10 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
The maintenance of genetic diversity and the understanding of demographic captive population structures are essential for improving the retention of genetic variation in small populations and contributing to adaptive management decisions [55]
Summary
The Asian woolly-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus) is a large endangered species on the IUCN Red List [1]. One bird was recorded in 2007 in the Nampad Wildlife Sanctuary (17 ̊49’46.3” and 100 ̊48’15.5”) [5] This finding is very serious, implying a more imminent threat of extinction of the Asian woolly-necked stork in Thailand than in India and Nepal [6,7,8]. The reintroduction of captive-bred individuals and in situ/ex situ management are necessary to recover endangered populations of the Asian woolly-necked stork, processes entailing decisions at a national policy level. Zoos have played an important role in the conservation of endangered species through scientific research and public education, preservation of genetic diversity, management policies that support increasing population sizes, and the reintroduction of captive-bred populations into their natural habitat [9,10]. Research on the conservation genetics of these populations is urgently required
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
