Conservation Breeding Research Articles

Phenotypic characterization and genetic diversity of indigenous chickens of Jordan in comparison with native and commercial breeds ‎for conservation and breeding purposes

Indigenous chickens of Jordan are facing extinction and need genetic conservation because they were unable to commercially compete in poultry industry because of low genetic ability ‎compared to commercial layers. The study aimed to investigate phenotypic and genetic diversity ‎of village chickens in the Jordan using discriminant analyses procedures to provide a basis for ‎sustainable genetic conservation and utilization program to overcome any possible extinction. The ‎sampled chicken population of 578 one-year old chickens (125 males and 433 females) was ‎phenotypically characterized for 15 biometric and plumage traits from major cities of the three ‎regions; Middle, North, and South. The traits variations within and between breeds were detected ‎statistically by stepwise discriminant and canonical-discriminant of uni- and multivariate analyses. ‎The results showed the sampled population as village chickens in Jordan is comprised of ‎indigenous (Baladi) breed (85%) and few exotic and commercial breeds. The breeds were distinct ‎and differentiated based on phenotypic traits indicating high genetic variability. The major ‎phenotypic traits that showed significant power to differentiate breeds were comb type, body ‎weight, comb size, earlobe color, wattle size, face color and breast size in males and comb type and ‎size, body weight, face and breast size, leg color and wattle size in females. Recent and past ‎crossings, admixture or migration from exotic and commercial breeds were noted. Moreover, low ‎levels of phylogeographic structure were observed across the studied breeds. In conclusion, there is need to conserve the indigenous breed in situ and in vivo for its adaptive gene pool in coming ‎days of persisted climate change and diseases threats.

The road to recovery: conservation management for the Critically Endangered Bali myna shows signs of success

AbstractThe Bali myna Leucopsar rothschildi has long suffered heavy trapping, leading to its near extinction in the wild and categorization as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Decades of conservation breeding, release of birds and post-release management at Bali Barat National Park have, until recently, failed to secure a viable wild population. However, over the past decade, population increases, expansion into new areas of the National Park and beyond, and successful breeding in both artificial and natural nest sites have occurred. These recent successes are associated with a change in approach by the National Park authority from concentrating efforts on the last refugium of the species (an area protected from trapping but with potentially suboptimal habitat) and towards the human-dominated landscapes around the main road through the National Park. Bali mynas tended to favour areas with extensive shorter grass cover and open canopies and to shun denser woodland. Anthropogenic landscapes such as farmland and plantations presumably mimic the original savannah habitat of the species, but nestbox provision has probably been crucial in these areas in the absence of natural cavities. A potential further factor in the increases in myna numbers and range has been a scheme involving local people in commercial breeding of the species, thereby reducing its market price, and working with communities to reduce trapping pressure. We encourage continuing operation of this management strategy inside the National Park and its further extension into adjacent tourist areas, which appear to have myna-friendly socio-ecological conditions.

The genome sequence of the critically endangered Kroombit tinkerfrog (Taudactylus pleione)

The Kroombit tinkerfrog (Taudactylus pleione) is a stream-dwelling amphibian of the Myobatrachidae family. It is listed as Critically Endangered and is at high risk of extinction due to chytridiomycosis. Here, we provide the first genome assembly of the evolutionarily distinct Taudactylus genus. We sequenced PacBio HiFi reads to assemble a high-quality long-read genome and identified the mitochondrial genome. We also generated a global transcriptome from a tadpole to improve gene annotation. The genome was 5.52 Gb in length and consisted of 4,196 contigs with a contig N50 of 8.853 Mb and an L50 of 153. This study provides the first genomic resources for the Kroombit tinkerfrog to assist in future phylogenetic, environmental DNA, conservation breeding, and disease susceptibility studies.

Molecular genetic divergence analysis amongst high curcumin lines of Golden Crop (Curcuma longa L.) using SSR marker and use in trait-specific breeding

Curcuma longa L., is recognized worldwide as a medicinally and economically important plant species due to its curcumin content which is an industrially important compound. In this study, a total of 329 accessions were collected from four states of India and planted in the experimental farm of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, India, in augmented design. Among these, 152 high curcumin (> 1.50%) accessions were screened for molecular divergence study using 39 SSR primers. The primers showed the most efficient outcome with 2–8 allele/ loci and a total 163 number of alleles with 100% polymorphism. Cluster analysis revealed the construction of three clusters, out of which one cluster was geographically dependent, and germplasm was particularly from Assam state. Jaccard's pairwise coefficient showed maximum genetic dissimilarity of (0.75) between accession RRLJCL 3 and RRLJCL 126, indicating high variation as it was from two different states viz Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland respectively and minimum genetic dissimilarity of (0.09) between RRLJCL 58 and RRLJCL 59 indicating significantly less variation as the two accessions were from same state, i.e., Arunachal Pradesh. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) revealed high molecular variation within the population (87%) and significantly less variation among the population (13%). Additionally, Neighbour Joining dendrogram, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and bar plot structure revealed similar clustering of germplasm. This diversity assessment will help in selecting the trait-specific genotypes, crop improvement program, conservation of gene pool, marker-assisted breeding, and quantitative trait loci identification. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, it is the first molecular diversity report among 152 high curcumin lines of C. longa from North East India using 39 SSR primers.

Ongoing harlequin toad declines suggest the amphibian extinction crisis is still an emergency

Biodiversity loss is extreme in amphibians. Despite ongoing conservation action, it is difficult to determine where we stand in overcoming their extinction crisis. Among the most threatened amphibians are the 131 Neotropical harlequin toads. Many of them declined since the 1980s with several considered possibly extinct. Recently, more than 30 species have been rediscovered, raising hope for a reversing trend in the amphibian extinction crisis. We use past and present data available for harlequin toads (Atelopus), to examine whether the amphibian extinction crisis is still in an emergency state. Since 2004 no species has improved its population status, suggesting that recovery efforts have not been successful. Threats include habitat change, pathogen spread and climate change. More mitigation strategies need implementation, especially habitat protection and disease management, combined with captive conservation breeding. With harlequin toads serving as a model, it is clear that the amphibian extinction crisis is still underway.

Genetic diversity and runs of homozygosity analysis of Hetian sheep populations revealed by Illumina Ovine SNP50K BeadChip

Hetian sheep have a long history and a wide distribution. They are renowned for their carpet-grade wool, which makes them a valuable genetic resource in China. The survey revealed that Hetian sheep primarily inhabit three distinct ecological environments: mountains (MTS), mountain–grasslands (MGTS), and grasslands (GTS). To understand the evolutionary relationships and germplasm characteristics of Hetian sheep in these diverse environments, we randomly selected 84 healthy adult ewes from each of these ecological regions. We obtained the Illumina Ovine SNP50K BeadChip by extracting DNA from Hetian sheep ear tissue using the phenol-chloroform method. Afterward, we conducted a population genetic structure and genetic diversity analysis of Hetian sheep using the Illumina Ovine SNP50K Beadchip. Principal component analysis (PCA) and neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic analysis indicated that Hetian sheep in three different ecological environments exhibit distinct genetic distances. Admixture analysis indicated that MGTS and GTS share a common ancestral origins. Additionally, the linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis indicated that M had the highest decay rate, while MG had the lowest decay rate. Furthermore, we identified the overlapping homozygous genomic regions of Hetian sheep in the three ecological environments through runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis. We subsequently performed gene annotation and enrichment analysis on these overlapping genomic regions. In the MTS environment, we identified 31 candidate genes associated with high-altitude environmental adaptation. These genes are involved in bone cell generation, differentiation, and the maintenance of bone homeostasis (WNT6, WNT10A, and CHSY1); tooth and tongue development (LEF1, TP63, and PRDM16); and hearing and visual functions (RBP4, ATF6, and JAG1). In the GTS environment, we identified 22 candidate genes related to economic traits, including those associated with reproduction (PLA2G4F, ACVR1, and ADCY2) and growth (CAPN3, YAP1, and FGF9). Research indicates that Hetian sheep can be divided at the genomic level into three subtypes: MTS, MGTS, and GTS. This enhances the genetic diversity of Hetian sheep germplasm resources and provides guidance for the conservation of Hetian sheep breeds. Additionally, we have identified genes related to multiparous traits in MGTS and GTS, offering insights for the selection and breeding of multiparous Hetian sheep.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship estimation of Shanxi indigenous goat breeds using microsatellite markers

The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship and population structure of five goat breeds in Shanxi, China. High genetic diversities were found in the five populations, among which, Licheng big green goat (LCBG) has the highest genetic diversity, while Jinlan cashmere goat (JLCG) population has the lowest genetic diversity. Bottleneck analysis showed the absence of recent genetic bottlenecks in the five goat populations. Genetic differentiation analysis shows that the closest genetic relationship between LCBG and LLBG (Lvliang black goat) was found, and the genetic distance between JLCG and the other four populations is the largest. The population structure of JLCG is different from the other four populations with K = 2, while LCBG and LLBG have high similarity population structure as the K value changes. Knowledge about genetic diversity and population structure of indigenous goats is essential for genetic improvement, understanding of environmental adaptation as well as utilization and conservation of goat breeds.

Strategies for promoting sustainable use and conservation of indigenous chicken breeds in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from low-income countries

This review explores innovative and sustainable strategies for the utilization and conservation of indigenous chickens (IC) (Gallus domesticus) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), drawing lessons from selected low-income countries. Small-scale farmers (SSF) have kept IC for hundreds of years to meet their households’ nutritional needs, incomes, and social-cultural and religious uses. The commitment exhibited by SSF to keeping IC has made them the significant custodians of essential animal genetic resources AnGR in most low-income countries. Between 1991 and 2012, Zambia’s private breeders invested over US$95 million in the commercial poultry sector, resulting in over a 100% increase in the annual production of day-old chicks to 65 million. However, high production costs and low market access hindered rural farmers’ full participation, hence their continued dependence on IC breeds. The erosion of AnGR poses the biggest threat to IC in SSA. The Food and Agriculture Organisation, an international body of the United Nations, highlighted that over 3.5% (60) of chicken breeds were extinct, 21.3% (368) were at risk of extinction, and nearly 67% (1068) were under unknown risk status. The report stated that 12.3% of the known chicken breeds were not at risk. Poultry diseases, lack of sustainable conservation strategies and poor use have significantly contributed to these losses. In 2012, 60% of IC were reportedly diseased in parts of SSA. The continued loss of IC-AnGR may negatively impact rural livelihoods and impede future poultry research and breeding programs. This paper reviews the IC sector in SSA, the socioeconomic, cultural and religious roles of IC and lessons on researcher-community-stakeholder strategies from selected low-income countries. The paper concludes and outlines some recommendations for future research.

Genomic evidence for evolutionary history and local adaptation of two endemic apricots: Prunus hongpingensis and P. zhengheensis.

Apricot, belonging to the Armeniaca section of Rosaceae, is one of the economically important crop fruits that has been extensively cultivated. The natural wild apricots offer valuable genetic resources for crop improvement. However, some of them are endemic, with small populations, and are even at risk of extinction. In this study we unveil chromosome-level genome assemblies for two southern China endemic apricots, Prunus hongpingensis (PHP) and P. zhengheensis (PZH). We also characterize their evolutionary history and the genomic basis of their local adaptation using whole-genome resequencing data. Our findings reveal that PHP and PZH are closely related to Prunus armeniaca and form a distinct lineage. Both species experienced a decline in effective population size following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), which likely contributed to their current small population sizes. Despite the observed decrease in genetic diversity and heterozygosity, we do not observe an increased accumulation of deleterious mutations in these two endemic apricots. This is likely due to the combined effects of a low inbreeding coefficient and strong purifying selection. Furthermore, we identify a set of genes that have undergone positive selection and are associated with local environmental adaptation in PHP and PZH, respectively. These candidate genes can serve as valuable genetic resources for targeted breeding and improvement of cultivated apricots. Overall, our study not only enriches our comprehension of the evolutionary history of apricot species but also offers crucial insights for the conservation and future breeding of other endemic species amidst rapid climate changes.

Review of terrestrial temporarily conserved areas in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The establishment of protected areas is a cornerstone of conservation, but permanent protection could be inefficient or even impossible in some situations. We synthesized the literature on temporarily conserved areas (TCAs) across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We used a comprehensive search string to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published from 2000 to 2021 from the Web of Science. We identified 27 relevant peer-reviewed articles that examined the potential benefits of TCAs in the study area, indicating TCA is a relatively understudied area of research in the peer-reviewed literature. The TCA studies were highly clustered; 77% of studies focused on protecting a single life stage of migratory species and 61% of studies related to temporary conservation of breeding or staging habitats for migratory birds. Ninety-three percent of studies focused on preventing human-driven threats, mainly on public lands of coastal areas, the Great Plains, and the Mississippi Valley in the central United States. Short-term and experimental studies were the dominant study types. TCAs have the potential to complement permanently protected areas and provide protection when permanent protection is difficult. Some included studies examined their conservation value, but the ecological, social, and economic outcomes of TCAs are unclear. More TCA research is needed to determine the role they could play in conservation worldwide. Embracing the concept of TCAs as conservation tool could lead to more comprehensive and consistent reporting of the outcomes of temporary area-based conservation measures. However, a global review and analysis of effectiveness of TCAs will be required if they are to play a formal role in meeting international targets for biodiversity conservation.

The complete chloroplast genome of purple longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour., Sapindaceae)

Purple longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) is a new longan cultivar that arose in Soc Trang province, Vietnam. Although the economic value of purple longan has been revealed, genomic data have not been explored. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of purple longan was sequenced and characterized, which was 160,763 bp in length. The genome had a quadripartite structure, including a large single copy (85,628 bp), a small single copy (18,247 bp), and two inverted repeat (28,444 bp) regions. This genome contained 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNAs, and four ribosomal RNAs, of which, 16 genes were duplicated in inverted repeat regions. Comparative genomic analysis revealed 11 highly variable regions (including matK-trnK_UUU, psbK-trnG_UCC, atpH-atpI, psbZ-rps14, pafI-trnL_UAA, psbJ-petG, clpP, rpl36-rpl14, rpl32-ccsA, rps15-ycf1, and ycf1). Additionally, 100 insertion and deletion sites were identified in the purple longan chloroplast genome. This study provided the first report on the complete chloroplast genome of purple longan, which is useful for further studies on cultivar identification, germplasm conservation, and plant breeding in the Dimocarpus genus and Sapindaceae family.

FEATURES OF THE FORMATION OF THE FOOD SUPPLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SAKHA (YAKUTIA)

The conducted studies of the functioning of agriculture in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) as the basis of food supply made it possible to identify its regional features. Having rich natural resources, the republic cannot fully provide the local population with the necessary food. The region’s provision level with meat is still below 30%, with milk and vegetables - below 60%. This is due to several factors affecting agriculture in the region and insufficient funding from the state. Scientific studies show a reduction in the number of cattle over the past 20 years from 289.7 to 180.9 thousand heads, or by 37.56%, due to a decrease in the forage base in the context of a reduction in pasture and hayfield areas. The territorial location of the Republic in the northern regions of Russia, the sharply continental climate, the peculiar way of life, the high level of urbanisation and the outflow of residents to the other areas of the country dictate the need for priority state support. Currently, the region is managed based on targeted programs. However, state support funds are inconsistent and unstable, which causes the need to develop organisational and economic measures for the sustainable development of the region’s industry and improve the current state support mechanism with an emphasis on the conservation and reproduction of local animal breeds (Yakut breed of cattle), the development of gene pool farms in the region, the preservation of traditional industries and the rural way of life.

Genetic diversity assessment of some Iraqi Sheep breeds using micro satellite DNA markers

To assess genetic diversity among some Iraqi sheep breeds (Karadi, Jaff, and Awassi) randomly selected from three different locations of Sulaimani governorate (Jeshana, Halabjai Shahid and Kirkuk) respectively. A total of 150 blood samples were collected (50 animals per breed from both sexes) using 10 microsatellite markers, 7 were amplified and showed bands. Four primers were polymorphism and three were monomorphism. The results demonstrated that the total fragment number (TFN) for the 7 primes was 14 fragments. The overall polymorphic fragments number (PFN) was 6, the highest PFN found at locus OarJMP29 which had 3 bands, whereas the lowest PFN found at locus HUJ616, OarFCB20 and OarFCB304 which was 1 band. The overall mean percentage of polymorphic loci was 35.71 %. The OarJMP29 locus showed the highest polymorphism which was 100% and the lowest polymorphism was 0.0% for ILSTS5, MAF214, and OarJMP58 loci. In the current study mean value of number of alleles (Na) was 2 and effective number of alleles (Ne) was 1.5214. Nei’s gene diversity and Shannon index are respectively averaged of 0.3296, and 0.5063. The smallest genetic distance recorded between Jaff and Awassi which was 0.0554, while the farthest distance was observed between Karadi and Awassi 0.1168.The results of genetic identity showed that the Jaff and Awassi populations are more genetically alike (0.9461) while the Karadi and the Awassi populations were the least genetically identical (0.8898). The dendrogram tree separated the studied breeds into two clusters, the first one including Jaff and Awassi breeds, and the second cluster includes Karadi breed. Finally, moderate value for both of polymorphism and genetic diversity were observed among the studied sheep breeds, which will help in developing a suitable approach for the genetic improvement, utilization and conservation of Iraqi sheep breeds.

Genetic resources and genetic technologies for the development of the Northern Territories: on the results of the Second Conference (March 13–15, 2023)

A series of events in honor of the centenary of the Polar Experiment Station of VIR founded by Nikolay Ivanovich Vavilov, was opened by the Second Scientific Conference “Genetic Resources and Genetic Technologies for the Development of Northern Territories”, which took place on March 13-15, 2023. The objective of the Conference was to provide a regular platform for the exchange of experience, consolidation of efforts and development of interdisciplinary approaches between specialists – geneticists, resource scientists and biotechnologists, as well as specialists from related areas of biology, medicine and other sciences, whose joint efforts are aimed at increasing the demand for bio-resource collections and the role of genetic technologies in the development of the northern regions of the country. The Conference was organized by the Federal Research Centre the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), the Vavilov Society of Geneticists and Breeders (VOGiS), the Russian Geographical Society (RGS), Scientific Council on Genetics and Breeding of the RAS, Scientific Council of RAS for the Studies of the Arctic and Antarctic, and the Russian Botanical Society (RBS). The Conference was held online. The program of the Conference included three sections: “Effective Development of Northern Agriculture: Genetic Resources of Agricultural Plants and Microorganisms, Genetic Technologies and Interdisciplinary Research”; “Farm Animals, Marine Mammals and Commercial Fish in the Far North: Conservation and Study of Genetic Resources, Breeding and Interdisciplinary Research”; “Health and Longevity of the Population in Northern Territories: Genetic and Interdisciplinary Studies (Including Model Organisms)”, as well as a Round Table “Expeditionary Research in the Arctic and Northern Regions of Russia: Experience of Young Scientists”. Altogether, five plenary presentations, one evening lecture and 23 section reports were made. Genetic, genomic and omics research using valuable genetic resources of plants, animals and microorganisms, as well as human biomaterials, including bio-resource ex situ collections from regions with extreme nature and climate conditions is the basis for acquiring knowledge, creating a set of tools and developments that contribute to socio-economic development and security in the Arctic, addressing health-saving issues, improving the quality of life of the population and partial food self-sufficiency of the regions of the North and the Arctic. The development of these aspects is important for the implementation of the State scientific and technical policy of the Russian Federation, considering the Presidential Decrees 164 of March 5, 2020, and 645 of October 26, 2020. The article presents the main trends announced at the Conference and publishes the Resolution adopted by the Conference.

Morphological characterization of Sussex cattle at Huntersvlei farm, Free State Province, South Africa.

Sussex cattle breed is characterized by their distinctive solid red coat colour and white tail switch. Sussex cattle are known for being easy to handle and manage, making them an ideal choice for cattle farmers. The phenotypic characterization of this cattle breed in South Africa is unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the morphological structure, phenotypic and body indices traits of Sussex cattle in South Africa at Huntersvlei farm, Frere State province of South Africa. One hundred and one weaners (n = 101) between 6 and 8 months old (female = 57 and male = 44) and fifty yearlings between 12 and 15 months old (female = 15 and male = 35) were used in this study. Body weight at weaning, yearling and linear body measurements such as head length (HL), head width (HW), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), sternum height (SH), withers height (WH), heart girth (HG), hip height (HH), body length (BL), rump length (RL), and rump width (RW) were measured. Moreover, the animals were assessed for coat colour and horn presence. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to describe the Sussex cattle breed. The results indicated that male Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for the BW and morphometric traits. The results further showed that Sussex cattle had highly significant (p < 0.01) increase for the BW and morphometric traits as age advances in all sexes. Interaction effect of sex and age showed a highly significant (p < 0.01) effect with BW and measured morphometric traits, while moderately significant (p < 0.05) with EW. Male Sussex cattle showed highly significant (p < 0.01) higher mean numeric values for the body index (BI), length index (LI) and compact index (CI) indices. While female Sussex animals showed highly significant (p < 0.01) mean numeric values for area index (AI) and proportionality (PR). Body weight showed a positive highly significant (p < 0.01) correlation with the measured morphometric traits except for the moderate significant (p < 0.05) correlation with EL. Coat colour traits ranged from 15 (9.93%), 103 (68.21%) to 33 (21.85%) for light, moderate and dark colours, respectively. While horn presence traits ranged from 48 (31.79%), 42 (27.81%) to 61 (40.40%) for polled, scur and horned respectively. The PCA results extracted only two components in both sexes of the animals. The morphological variations obtained in this study could be complemented by performance data and molecular markers of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to guide the overall breed characterization, conservation and development of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.

Cryopreservation Cooling Rate Impacts Post-Thaw Sperm Motility and Survival in Litoria booroolongensis.

The cryopreservation and storage of gametes (biobanking) can provide a long-term, low-cost option for the preservation of population genetic diversity and is particularly impactful when applied to manage selective breeding within conservation breeding programs (CBPs). This study aimed to develop a sperm cryopreservation protocol for the critically endangered Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) to capture founder genetics within the recently established (est. 2019) CBP for this species. Hormone-induced sperm release was achieved using established protocols, and spermic urine samples were collected over a 6-h period. Pooled spermic urine samples (n = 3 males) were divided equally between two cryoprotectant (CPA) treatments and diluted by 1:5 (sperm:CPA) with either 15% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide + 1% (w/v) sucrose in simplified amphibian Ringer's (SAR; CPAA) or 10% (v/v) dimethylformamide + 10% (w/v) trehalose dihydrate in SAR (CPAB). The samples were cryopreserved in 0.25 mL straws using either a programmable freezer (FrA) or an adapted dry shipper method (FrB). The thawed samples were activated via dilution in water and assessed for viability and motility using both manual assessment and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA; 0 h, 0.5 h post-thaw). Upon activation, the survival and recovery of motility (total motility, forward progression and velocity) of cryopreserved sperm suspensions were higher for sperm preserved using FrB than FrA, regardless of CPA composition. This work supports our long-term goal to pioneer the integration of biobanked cryopreserved sperm with population genetic management to maximize restoration program outcomes for Australian amphibian species.

Assembling genetic structure of Gardenia remyi, a critically endangered tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands

AbstractConservation and restoration planning of extremely rare species relies on an understanding of the genetic diversity and population dynamics within a species to overcome potential inbreeding depression. Nānū or Nāʻū (Gardenia remyi H. Mann.) is an endemic tree native to the Hawaiian Islands and is one of more than 200 endangered plant species in Hawaiʻi with less than 50 individuals remaining in the wild. Efforts to understand the genetic diversity and connectivity between wild populations are foundational to conservation management plans, however little is known of the population structure of the species. In this study we utilize double digest restriction‐site associated sequencing (ddRADSeq) on both historical herbarium specimens and samples from living ex situ collections to: (1) Test the hypothesis that we can capture genetic diversity in herbarium material of G. remyi using ddRADSeq, and (2) test the hypothesis that there are genetically distinct populations or subpopulation units among different Hawaiian islands. Usable sequencing data from thirty‐seven samples of herbarium specimens collected between 1952 and 2017 and twenty wild sourced living collection samples were obtained representing all four islands where G. remyi is known to occur. Phylogenetic and population structure analysis revealed a monophyletic ingroup and a clear division between G. remyi samples of the northern island of Kauaʻi and those from the more southeastern younger islands of Molokaʻi, Maui and Hawaiʻi islands. The Kauaʻi samples were further split into a subpopulation from Southern Kauaʻi and the subpopulations from Northern Kauaʻi. Some admixed samples were detected. Our results are consistent with subpopulations of G. remyi, which needs to be considered in future conservation planning and breeding efforts to minimize inbreeding depression.

Feed plants, ethnoveterinary medicine, and biocultural values: insights on the Luchuan pig from Hakka communities in China

BackgroundThe Luchuan pig is an indigenous breed from Luchuan County, China, with cultural and genetic significance. However, traditional knowledge and conservation status have not been systematically documented.MethodsUsing ethnobiological methods, we surveyed 72 Luchuan pig farmers in 7 townships during 2021–2023. Semi-structured interviews and participant observation were conducted to document traditional knowledge and management practices.ResultsThe locals reported 51 plant species used as pig feed, with 30 wild species. Growth-stage-specific feeding and seasonal adjustment practices were documented. We recorded 62 ethnoveterinary plant uses, mainly for treating pigs' heat stress and skin conditions. Luchuan pigs play central roles in local Hakka customs, rituals, and cuisine. Additonally, the new ecological farming models minimize the environmental impacts to the local community. However, there are still some challenges remained for conserving and promoting Luchuan pigs.ConclusionsThe Luchuan Hakka people possess rich traditional knowledge and management experience in raising Luchuan pigs. Our study provides extensive documentation of traditional knowledge and recommends integrating cultural and genetic aspects for sustaining this biocultural heritage. Findings can inform initiatives supporting local breed conservation globally.

Core Collection Formation in Guatemalan Wild Avocado Germplasm with Phenotypic and SSR Data

Guatemala’s wild avocado germplasm holds vital genetic value, but lacking conservation strategies imperils it. Studying its diversity is pivotal for conservation and breeding. The study aimed to comprehensively assess the wild avocado germplasm in Guatemala by combining phenotypic and genotypic data and to create a core collection for conservation and future breeding programs. A total of 189 mature avocado trees were sampled across Guatemala’s northern, southern, and western regions. Morphological characteristics were documented, and genetic diversity was assessed using 12 SSR loci. The investigated germplasm revealed three distinct genetic clusters, exhibiting an average gene diversity of 0.796 and a 7.74% molecular variation among them. The samples showed various morphological characteristics that indicate the presence of three avocado races in Guatemala. The weak correlation between phenotypic and genotypic distances highlighted their independence and complementary nature. The joint matrix effectively integrated and captured genotypic and phenotypic data for comprehensive genetic diversity analysis. A core collection comprising 20% of total accessions that captured maximum genetic diversity was formed. This study exposed wild Guatemalan avocados’ genetic diversity, morphological traits, and conservation significance. Integrated data capture via clustering validates holistic genetic insight for conservation and breeding strategies.

From Captivity to Conservation Success: A Review on the Mouse Deer Breeding Program and its Implications for Biodiversity Preservation

Captive breeding has become an important tool for conserving threatened species. The success of these conservation programs depends on the survival of species through self-sustaining populations managed by scientific values. Mouse deer is a primitive deer that plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem as a key seed disperser and forms significant prey for both small and large predators. Despite its significance, little is known about this species' mating behavior and reproductive physiology in both the wild and captivity. As part of the conservation breeding and species recovery program, a breeding program of mouse deer started with the aim of breeding them in captivity and release them into the wild to preserve the biodiversity. This program began with six founder individuals and we observed a remarkable increase of 400 individuals within 10 years. These captive-bred individuals have been successfully introduced into the wild. This paper presents a comprehensive review of potential factors required for the successful breeding program and also provides recommendations on future directions and perspectives of conservation breeding program of mouse deer and other species.