Loss of genetic diversity in an outbreeding species: small population effects in the African wild dog <Emphasis Type="Italic">(Lycaon pictus</Emphasis>) |
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Authors: | Kellie A Leigh Kyall R Zenger Imke Tammen Herman W Raadsma |
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Institution: | (1) Reprogen-Animal Bioscience Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Private Mail Bag 4003, Narellan, NSW, 2570, Australia;(2) School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia |
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Abstract: | Genetic studies on the endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) have primarily focused on the few remaining large and viable populations. However, investigations on the many isolated small
African wild dog populations might also be informative for species management because the majority of extant populations are
small and may contain genetic variability that is important for population persistence and for species conservation. Small
populations are at higher risk of extinction from stochastic and deterministic demographic processes than larger populations
and this is often of more immediate conservation concern than loss of genetic diversity, particularly for species that exhibit
out-breeding behaviour such as long distance dispersal which may maintain gene flow. However, the genetic advantages of out-breeding
behaviour may be reduced if dispersal is compromised beyond reserve borders (edge effects), further weakening the integrity
of small populations. Mitochondrial DNA and 11 microsatellite genetic markers were used to investigate population genetic
structure in a small population of out-breeding African wild dogs in Zambia, which occupies an historical dispersal corridor
for the species. Results indicated the Zambian population suffered from low allelic richness, and there was significant evidence
of a recent population bottleneck. Concurrent ecological data suggests these results were due to habitat fragmentation and
restricted dispersal which compromised natural out-breeding mechanisms. This study recommends conservation priorities and
management units for the African wild dog that focus on conserving remaining levels of genetic diversity, which may also be
applicable for a range of out-breeding species. |
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