A new method for DNA extraction from feces and hair shafts of the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20227.abs It is commonly known that tigers (Panthera tigris) groom themselves by licking their coats, which leads to an abundance of hairs in their feces. These hairs are designated specially as “fecal hairs”. In our study, in order to explore fecal hairs potential as a DNA source for genetic analysis, 55 fecal hair samples […]
Effects of parental number and duration of the breeding period on the effective population size and genetic diversity of a captive population of the endangered Tokyo bitterling Tanakia tanago (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
The maintenance of genetic diversity is one of the chief concerns in the captive breeding of endangered species. Using microsatellite and mtDNA markers, we examined the effects of two key variables (parental number and duration of breeding period) on effective population size (Ne) and genetic diversity of offspring in an experimental breeding program for the […]
Parthenogenesis in a Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria)
A 22-year-old captive Brazilian rainbow boa (Epicrates cenchria cenchria) gave birth to four offspring after being housed with a vasectomized male. Sexual reproduction as a result of failed prior vasectomy, recanalization of the vas deferens, or prolonged sperm storage was ruled out using the clinical history, histopathology, and gross necropsy. Short tandem repeat (STR) DNA […]
Genetic differences for behaviour in juveniles from two strains of brown trout suggest an effect of domestication history
Because captivity constitutes a drastic environmental change, domestication is expected to induce a rapid genetic selection for behavioural traits. In this study, we searched for genetic differences in behaviour among brown trout juveniles from two strains differing for their domestication history, i.e. an almost pure native wild Mediterranean population (W) and an Atlantic domesticated strain […]
Identifying parentage using molecular markers: Improving accuracy of studbook records for a captive flock of marabou storks (Leptoptilus crumeniferus)
Extra-pair copulations (EPCs) leading to extra-pair fertilization (EPF) are common in avian mating systems, despite the prevalence of observed social monogamy in many species. Colonially breeding birds are interesting species to investigate the prevalence of EPCs and EPF because they show nesting habits including close proximity of nest sites and sexual partners, which are proposed […]
Social group formation and genetic relatedness in reintroduced Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand
Captive-held elephants were recruited from several parts of Thailand and released as part of a reintroduction project. Wild elephants with a herd matriarch generally contain the same matrilineal line and are genetically related. However, reintroduced elephants are less likely to be related, but are known to establish social groups. The objective of this study was […]