\u2018Intentional Genetic Manipulation\u2019 as a conservation threat

Isa-Rita M Russo,Coral Birss,Ian Rushworth,Paulette Bloomer,Gernot Segelbacher,Michael W Bruford,Antoinette Kotzé,Sean Hoban

doi:10.1007/s12686-018-0983-6

Abstract

Wildlife ranching including the hunting, collection, sales and husbandry of wild animals in captivity, is practised worldwide and is advocated as an approach towards the conservation of wild species. While many authors have explored the biological impacts of intensive wild population management, primarily with respect to disease transmission (especially in ungulates and fish), the evolutionary and demographic effects of wildlife ranching have been examined less intensively. We discuss this issue through the case of intensive wildlife management in southern Africa. The genetic consequences of this global practice, with an emphasis on Africa, were addressed by a motion passed at the 2016 IUCN World Congress- ‘Management and regulation of intensive breeding and genetic manipulation of large mammals for commercial purposes’. Here, we highlight concerns regarding intensive breeding programs used to discover, enhance and propagate unusual physical traits, hereafter referred to as ‘Intentional Genetic Manipulation’. We highlight how ‘Intentional Genetic Manipulation’ potentially threatens the viability of native species and ecosystems, via genetic erosion, inbreeding, hybridisation and unregulated translocation. Finally, we discuss the need for better policies in southern Africa and globally, regarding ‘Intentional Genetic Manipulation’, and the identification of key knowledge gaps.

Highlights

Wildlife ranching entails the utilisation of non-domesticated animals in captivity or in larger fenced areas (Nogueira and Nogueira-Filho 2011)
The wildlife industry has grown rapidly over the past 10 years due to the high economic value of wild animals across the globe, which includes sport hunting in Europe, commercial ranching and the sales of American bison (Bison bison Linnaeus, 1758) and ostrich (Struthio camelus australis Gurney, 1868) in North America, ranching for horn production in black and white rhinoceros (Diceros binornis Linnaeus, 1758 and Ceratotherium simum Burchell, 1817), the trade of illegal bush meat in West Africa, and legal trading in antelope since European settlers arrived in Africa
We focus primarily on genetic concerns but recognise that non-genetic analyses are important (e.g. Cloete et al 2015), since there are many aspects of wildlife ranching that may raise concern

Summary

Introduction

Wildlife ranching entails the utilisation of non-domesticated animals in captivity or in larger fenced areas (Nogueira and Nogueira-Filho 2011). Scientists and wildlife ranchers should be encouraged to codevelop metapopulation and population management plans for each species, as has been done for wild dogs, lions and other predators (Miller et al 2015) This may, for example, include guidelines for the number of individuals needed to be translocated to maintain genetically healthy populations after taking into account the costs and benefits. Another way to alleviate negative effects in small/fragmented populations, especially populations that have been strongly reduced by anthropogenic activities, may be to allow managed gene exchange between two or more closely related populations or even, in extremis, subspecies (Frankham 2015; Frankham et al 2017). Any species could be subject to CRISPR modification, though it is not clear when it may be applied to large mammals

Conclusions

Findings

Compliance with ethical standards