Captive breeding, paternity determination, and genetic variation in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the Australasian region

DNA “fingerprinting” using polymorphic (CA)-repeat microsatellite markers was used to quantify the level of genetic variation present in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the Australasian region. These markers were also used to determine the paternity of chimpanzees born at Taronga Zoo over a 20-year period. The results suggested that the dominant male in the colony was responsible for siring most, but not all, of the offspring. Where the dominant male was excluded from paternity, the sire was identifiable if all candidate males were available for typing. This enabled us to prove the captive origin of offspring born in the colony during this period. Thus, microsatellite analysis was a useful tool for assignment of familial relationships and improving genetic management of breeding colonies.