Phylogenetic relationships of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens) populations from the Tamaulipan biotic province and implications for recovery
The remaining populations of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens) in the United States are reduced to 2 isolated populations in southern Texas, with the next closest populations occurring in central Tamaulipas, Mexico. The species is listed as endangered, and recovery of populations in Texas eventually might require translocations from larger source populations. We sequenced the mitochondrial […]
Extensive population genetic structure in the giraffe
Background: A central question in the evolutionary diversification of large, widespread, mobile mammals is how substantial differentiation can arise, particularly in the absence of topographic or habitat barriers to dispersal. All extant giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) are currently considered to represent a single species classified into multiple subspecies. However, geographic variation in traits such as pelage […]
Assessment of conservation units for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
An assessment of conservation units for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was conducted using a population aggregation analysis (PAA) of mitochondrial DNA site substitutions. Populations were defined as the three geographically separated regions of West Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. The intent of this assessment was to explore management options for this highly endangered lineage rather […]
Genetic rescue of an inbred captive population of the critically endangered Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne lemur) by mixing lineages
The Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne lemur) is currently composed of a single wild population on the south coast of Puerto Rico and two captive popu-lations founded by animals from the northern and southern coasts. The main factors contributing to its decline are habitat loss, inundation of breeding ponds during storms, and impacts of invasive […]
Genetic analysis of captive proboscis monkeys
Information on the genetic relationships of captive founders is important for captive population management. In this study, we investigated DNA polymorphisms of four microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial control region sequence of five proboscis monkeys residing in a Japanese zoo as captive founders, to clarify their genetic relationship. We found that two of the five […]
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 […]