scholarly journals Conservation Genetics and Gut Microbial Communities’ Variability of the Critically Endangered European Mink Mustela Lutreola: Implications for Captive Breeding Programs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline ML van Leeuwen ◽  
Albrecht I. Schulte-Hostedde ◽  
Christine Fournier-Chambrillon ◽  
Carmen M. Aranda ◽  
Laurie Berthomieu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Mhc Class I ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Mustela Lutreola ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
European Mink ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Abstract Host’s fitness can be affected by its genotype and gut microbiota, defined as the microbes living in the host’s intestinal tract. This study explored how the genetic diversity of the host influences its bacterial communities in the context of captive breeding programs, for the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola). As stated by the ecosystem on a leash model, loss of host genetic diversity may lead to changes in immunomodulation and will therefore induce modifications of the gut microbiota. We investigated variation in the gut bacteria through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, related to the genetic diversity of European mink held in captivity in two breeding centers representing separate breeding stocks originating from the western and eastern populations. The genetic diversity of the host was assessed through diversity analysis of the adaptive MHC class I and II genes as well as neutral microsatellite markers. Results indicate lower diversity in neutral and MHC class I genes for the western population, and the opposite for MHC class II. A lower MHC class II gene variability led to an increase in microbial phylogenetic diversity and in abundance depending on the presence of specific MHC-II motifs. Those results seem to be linked to management practices that differs between the two programs, especially the number of generations in captivity. Long term Ex situ conservation practices can thus modulate gut microbial communities, that might potentially have consequences on the survival of reintroduced animals. We suggest strategies to foster genetic diversity in captive breeding program to mitigate the effects of genetic drift on those small, isolated populations.

Captive management and the maintenance of genetic diversity in a vulnerable marsupial, the greater bilby

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J. Miller ◽  
Mark D. B. Eldridge ◽  
Keith Morris ◽  
Neil Thomas ◽  
Catherine A. Herbert
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Molecular Data ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Captive Populations ◽  
Genetic Impact ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

The endemic Australian greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is a vulnerable and iconic species. It has declined significantly due to habitat loss, as well as competition and predation from introduced species. Conservation measures include a National Recovery Plan that incorporates several captive breeding programs. Two of these programs were established within 12 months of one another (1997/98), with the same number and sex ratio of founding individuals, but executed different breeding strategies: (1) unmanipulated mating in semi–free range natural habitat versus (2) minimising mean kinship in large enclosures, with the supplementation of new individuals into both populations. This study evaluates the long-term genetic impact of these programs and examines the congruency between the pedigree studbook estimates of diversity and molecular data. Our data demonstrate that genetic diversity was maintained in both populations, with the supplementation of new individuals contributing to the gene pool. The studbook estimates of diversity and inbreeding are not consistent with the microsatellite data and should not solely be relied upon to evaluate the genetic health of captive populations. Our analyses suggest that captive breeding programs may not require costly and intensive management to effectively maintain long-term genetic diversity in a promiscuous species.

scholarly journals Disentangling the mechanisms of mate choice in a captive koala population

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parice A. Brandies ◽  
Catherine E. Grueber ◽  
Jamie A. Ivy ◽  
Carolyn J. Hogg ◽  
Katherine Belov
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Female Choice ◽  
Mating Success ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Class Ii ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Male Age ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Successful captive breeding programs are crucial to the long-term survival of many threatened species. However, pair incompatibility (breeding failure) limits sustainability of many captive populations. Understanding whether the drivers of this incompatibility are behavioral, genetic, or a combination of both, is crucial to improving breeding programs. We used 28 years of pairing data from the San Diego Zoo koala colony, plus genetic analyses using both major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked and non-MHC-linked microsatellite markers, to show that both genetic and non-genetic factors can influence mating success. Male age was reconfirmed to be a contributing factor to the likelihood of a koala pair copulating. This trend could also be related to a pair’s age difference, which was highly correlated with male age in our dataset. Familiarity was reconfirmed to increase the probability of a successful copulation. Our data provided evidence that females select mates based on MHC and genome-wide similarity. Male heterozygosity at MHC class II loci was associated with both pre- and post-copulatory female choice. Genome-wide similarity, and similarity at the MHC class II DAB locus, were also associated with female choice at the post-copulatory level. Finally, certain MHC-linked alleles were associated with either increased or decreased mating success. We predict that utilizing a variety of behavioral and MHC-dependent mate choice mechanisms improves female fitness through increased reproductive success. This study highlights the complexity of mate choice mechanisms in a species, and the importance of ascertaining mate choice mechanisms to improve the success of captive breeding programs.

The platypus nest: burrow structure and nesting behaviour in captivity

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 347 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Thomas ◽  
K. Handasyde ◽  
M. L. Parrott ◽  
P. Temple-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Nesting Behaviour ◽  
Nesting Material ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
Burrow Structure ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

The platypus nesting burrow, where females lay eggs and rear their young, has not been well studied. We have little knowledge of its structure and the process of construction. This study aimed to investigate nesting behaviour of breeding females and to describe the structure and features of the burrow. We used infrared cameras to record behaviour of captive breeding female platypuses during the nest-building period, over nine years. After the young had become independent, we excavated 11 nesting burrows and mapped their structural features. Nesting behaviour was observed 7–15 days after mating and was an indicator of gravidity. Females invested an average of 8 h 18 min over 3.5 nights, gathering and transporting wet nesting material to their burrows. The nests were composed mostly of native mat-rush leaves. Nesting burrows varied in length from 3.2 to 10.4 m. They contained narrow tunnels, ‘pugs’ of backfilled earth, dead ends, multiple entrances and a chamber at the end that contained the nest. Appropriate nesting sites and nesting materials must be provided to female platypuses for captive breeding programs to succeed.

scholarly journals MHC-associated mate choice under competitive conditions in captive versus wild Tasmanian devils

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 1196-1204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna Day ◽  
Rebecca M Gooley ◽  
Carolyn J Hogg ◽  
Katherine Belov ◽  
Camilla M Whittington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Mate Choice ◽  
Breeding Success ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Mhc Diversity ◽  
Reproductive Rates ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

AbstractMate choice contributes to driving evolutionary processes when animals choose breeding partners that confer genetic advantages to offspring, such as increased immunocompetence. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important group of immunological molecules, as MHC antigens bind and present foreign peptides to T-cells. Recent studies suggest that mates may be selected based on their MHC profile, leading to an association between an individual’s MHC diversity and their breeding success. In conservation, it may be important to consider mate choice in captive breeding programs, as this mechanism may improve reproductive rates. We investigated the reproductive success of Tasmanian devils in a group housing facility to determine whether increased MHC-based heterozygosity led individuals to secure more mating partners and produce more offspring. We also compared the breeding success of captive females to a wild devil population. MHC diversity was quantified using 12 MHC-linked microsatellite markers, including 11 previously characterized markers and one newly identified marker. Our analyses revealed that there was no relationship between MHC-linked heterozygosity and reproductive success either in captivity or the wild. The results of this study suggest that, for Tasmanian devils, MHC-based heterozygosity does not produce greater breeding success and that no specific changes to current captive management strategies are required with respect to preserving MHC diversity.

scholarly journals Genetic Diversity and Relatedness among Captive African Painted Dogs in North America

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1463
Author(s):  
Cassandra M. Miller-Butterworth ◽  
Karen Vacco ◽  
Amy L. Russell ◽  
Joseph C. Gaspard
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
North America ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Captive Population ◽  
Effective Population ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Low Genetic Diversity ◽  
Population Size Estimates

African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus, APD) are highly endangered, with fewer than 7000 remaining in nature. Captive breeding programs can preserve a genetically diverse population and provide a source of individuals for reintroductions. However, most programs are initiated from few founders and suffer from low genetic diversity and inbreeding. The aims of this study were to use molecular markers to assess genetic variation, inbreeding, and relatedness among APDs in the North American captive population, to use these data to realign studbook records, and to compare these data to wild populations and to the European captive population to facilitate the development of a global management plan. We sequenced mitochondrial and major histocompatibility (MHC) class II loci and genotyped 14 microsatellite loci from 109 APDs from 34 institutions in North America. We identified three likely studbook errors and resolved ten cases of uncertain paternity. Overall, microsatellite heterozygosity was higher than reported in Europe, but effective population size estimates were lower. Mitochondrial sequence variation was extremely limited, and there were fewer MHC haplotypes than in Europe or the wild. Although the population did not show evidence of significant inbreeding overall, several individuals shared high relatedness values, which should be incorporated into future breeding programs.

Longevity and breeding in captive red-tailed phascogales (Phascogale calura)

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayley J. Stannard ◽  
Casey R. Borthwick ◽  
Oselyne Ong ◽  
Julie M. Old
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

This paper reports successful breeding by 4-year-old female red-tailed phascogales (Phascogale calura) and that they can survive until at least 5 years of age in captivity, whilst males can survive until at least 2 years of age in captivity. These findings have implications for captive breeding programs, providing evidence that older females can be successfully bred. In the longer term we hope these findings may aid conservation efforts of this endangered dasyurid.

scholarly journals Emergency Response to Australia’s Black Summer 2019–2020: The Role of a Zoo-Based Conservation Organisation in Wildlife Triage, Rescue, and Resilience for the Future

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1515
Author(s):  
Marissa L. Parrott ◽  
Leanne V. Wicker ◽  
Amanda Lamont ◽  
Chris Banks ◽  
Michelle Lang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
State Government ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Catastrophic Events ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Face ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Modern zoos are increasingly taking a leading role in emergency management and wildlife recovery. In the face of climate change and the predicted increase in frequency and magnitude of catastrophic events, zoos provide specialised expertise to assist wildlife welfare and endangered species recovery. In the 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season, now called Australia’s Black Summer, a state government-directed response was developed, assembling specialised individuals and organisations from government, non-government organisations, research institutions, and others. Here, we detail the role of Zoos Victoria staff in wildlife triage and welfare, threatened species evacuation and recovery, media and communications, and fundraising during and after the fires. We share strategies for future resilience, readiness, and the ability to mobilise quickly in catastrophic events. The development of triage protocols, emergency response kits, emergency enclosures, and expanded and new captive breeding programs is underway, as are programs for care of staff mental health and nature-based community healing for people directly affected by the fires. We hope this account of our response to one of the greatest recent threats to Australia’s biodiversity, and steps to prepare for the future will assist other zoos and wildlife organisations around the world in preparations to help wildlife before, during, and after catastrophic events.

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