The mating system of polar bears: a genetic approach
Parentage analysis data for 583 individuals genotyped at 27 microsatellite loci were used to study the mating system of polar bears (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) in the Barents Sea area. We discriminated statistically between full and half-siblings identified through only one common parent. We document for the first time multiple paternity in polar bears. We […]
Genetic kinship and social structure in a herd of square-lipped rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) at the zoological center, Tel Aviv/Ramat-Gan, Israel
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10056.abs Zoos and zoological parks serve as genetic and demographic reserves for strengthening endangered populations and reestablishing extinct populations in the wild. Knowing the genetic ties within captive populations is a very helpful tool for successful reproductive management. In the present study we addressed kinship relationships and behavior among rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) raised […]
Female aggregation interacts with population structure to influence the degree of polygyny in red deer
In polygynous systems, female aggregation may affect the degree of polygyny by increasing the variance in male mating success. However, other population features such as the sex ratio and the age structure of males may also affect the distribution of male mating success. We combined behavioural observations and genetic data to investigate the relationship between […]
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 […]
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 […]
Using behavioral observations and genetic markers to characterize the flexible reproductive system in an ex situ population of carmine bee-eaters (Merops n. nubicus)
Combining behavioral observations with population genetic analyses in ex situ populations can be used to evaluate factors that determine the success of a breeding program. Avian species living in a colony accrue reproductive benefits by taking advantage of multiple reproductive strategies. Growing evidence suggests that both extra pair fertilizations (EPFs) and intra-specific nest parasitism (ISNP) […]