鄱阳湖黑鹳越冬种群数量与空间分布

本研究于2003—2016年采用样线法对鄱阳湖越冬黑鹳种群数量和空间分布进行了同步调查,调查范围包括鄱阳湖周边三市13县72个子湖泊及周边草洲。结果表明:鄱阳湖黑鹳越冬种群数量年平均值为(35. 5±38. 5)只,其中2005年数量最多,为145只。鄱阳湖黑鹳越冬种群数量年际波动较大。共在15个子湖泊记录到黑鹳,主要分布区域为鄱阳县和鄱阳湖国家级自然保护区,其中鄱阳县湖区黑鹳记录总数量为371只,占鄱阳湖区历年黑鹳分布数量总和的74. 6%。鄱阳湖黑鹳越冬种群呈聚集型分布,只有17. 3%的黑鹳分布在鄱阳湖区主要的候鸟保护区内。本研究表明鄱阳湖越冬黑鹳主要分布于鄱阳湖重要的候鸟保护区范围之外,为有效地保护鄱阳湖黑鹳越冬种群,建议加强黑鹳种群监测,建立健全黑鹳种群就地保护体系。     

东方白鹳迁地保护研究现状及发展趋势

通过对国内东方白鹳迁地保护研究的最新成果的总结和归纳，对在研究工作中存在的问题提出了几点建议。上海动物园于1984年人工繁殖成功东方白鹳尚属首次。据统计目前世界共有88家动物园饲养繁育约552只东方白鹳，其中，中国就有58家动物园饲养东方白鹳342只。我国对东方白鹳的研究偏重于生态、生理、繁殖三方面，并在笼养繁殖方面取得了突破性进展。     

Reducing inbreeding rates with a breeding circle: Theory and practice in Veluws Heideschaap

Breeding circles allow genetic management in closed populations without pedigrees. In a breeding circle, breeding is split over sub‐populations. Each sub‐population receives breeding males from a single sub‐population and supplies breeding males to one other sub‐population. Donor‐recipient combinations of sub‐populations remain the same over time. Here, we derive inbreeding levels both mathematically and by computer simulation and compare them to actual inbreeding rates derived from DNA information in a real sheep population. In Veluws Heideschaap, a breeding circle has been in operation for over 30 years. Mathematically, starting with inbreeding levels and kinships set to zero, inbreeding rates per generation (ΔF) initially were 0.29%–0.47% within flocks but later converged to 0.18% in all flocks. When, more realistically, inbreeding levels at the start were high and kinship between flocks low, inbreeding levels immediately dropped to the kinship levels between flocks and rates more gradually converged to 0.18%. In computer simulations with overlapping generations, inbreeding levels and rates followed the same pattern, but converged to a lower ΔF of 0.12%. ΔF was determined in the real population with a 12 K SNP chip in recent generations. ΔF in the real population was 0.29%, based on markers to 0.41% per generation based on heterozygosity levels. This is two to three times the theoretically derived values. These increased rates in the real population are probably due to selection and/or the presence of dominant rams siring a disproportionate number of offspring. When these were simulated, ΔF agreed better: 0.35% for selection, 0.38% for dominant rams and 0.67% for both together. The realized inbreeding rates are a warning that in a real population inbreeding rates in a breeding circle can be higher than theoretically expected due to selection and dominant rams. Without a breeding circle, however, inbreeding rates would have been even higher.     

Genetic diversity decreases as population density declines: Implications of temporal variation in mitochondrial haplotype frequencies in a natural population of Tscherskia triton

Although the spatial genetic differentiation that occurs in animal populations has been extensively studied, information on temporal variations in genetic structure and diversity is still lacking, especially for animals with oscillating populations. In the present study, we used the mtDNA D‐loop sequence to assess the temporal genetic variation in samples from six successive years for the greater long‐tailed hamster, Tscherskia triton. Sampling was carried out between 1998 and 2003 in cropland on the North China Plain, China. A total of 108 individuals were analyzed. The temporal samples showed a high level of genetic diversity. Substantial genetic changes in haplotype frequencies over time were detected for the hamster population. Random genetic drift and migration are likely to be the major factors responsible for the observed temporal pattern. The genetic diversity of the hamster population was higher in years with higher population density, and lower in years with lower population density. The result supports our hypothesis that genetic diversity decreases when population density declines in animals whose population oscillates greatly between years. The combined effects of inbreeding and genetic drift caused by reproduction, dispersal and population size might play important roles in the observed changes in genetic structure and diversity between years.     

Genetic structure and recent population demographic history of Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis), North China

Massive actions have been and are being taken into protecting the world's primates from extinction, while the study of the properties of genetic diversity, demographic history, and ecological relationships will benefit the understanding of the long-term survival of a species. The Taihangshan macaque (Macaca mulatta tcheliensis), a subspecies of rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), is endemic to China and currently restricted to southern Mt. Taihangshan area. Herein, we evaluated the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of this subspecies using mitochondrial (Cytb and high variable region I: HVR I) and nuclear markers (microsatellite loci) of 131 individuals collected from 9 localities covering the distribution range of this subspecies. Both phylogenetic analyses and genetic assignment revealed that the wild populations of Taihangshan macaques could be divided into 2 major highly divergent clades, THS-east and THS-west. Low genetic diversity (π: 0.00266 ± 0.00016) but high haplotype diversity (H_d: 0.80352 ± 0.015) were detected in the Taihangshan macaques, particularly in THS-east. Analyses of demographic history suggested that the Taihangshan macaques experienced first a stable historical population size from Holocene to early 19th century but a subtle decline and then slight growth in the recent 200 years. We suggest that bridging the neighbor populations (i.e. setting corridors) would facilitate the male-mediated gene flow and subsequently increase the genetic diversity of the Taihangshan macaque populations.     

一种准确简便的东方白鹤性别分子鉴定方法

东方白鹤为国家Ⅰ级重点保护动物，在自然条件下繁殖率很低，进行迁地保护及再引入措施对遗传多样性保护具有举足轻重的作用，成功地进行性别鉴定是其笼养人工繁殖的前提。本研究对4只东方白鹤，运用CHD基因的一对引物2550F／27181K进行了准确简便的性别鉴定，并对其序列结合其他5种远缘鸟类相应序列进行分析，证实了此种方法的科学性和可信度，分析了性别鉴定机理。这种安全、方便、准确的性别分子鉴定方法将有助于东方白鹤迁地保护及再引入措施的实施。通过分析可以看出，此种方法未来存在着广阔的应用前景。     

东方白鹳保护经济机制探析

黑龙江省三江平原是东方白鹳的重要繁殖地,但是当地传统农业模式对东方白鹳生存和繁殖造成了比较严重的影响。国际上为了解决传统农业与鸟类的冲突采取了多种保护经济激励措施,典型的有日本的以环境友好型种植的具有"生命品牌"的大米,美国的栖息地改造工程(HIP)和农田鸟类栖息地改善计划(WHEP)等。在我国,保护经济激励机制在诸多鸟类保护案例中已显现出明显的效果。"白鹳—大米"是指在东方白鹳利用农田生境进行繁衍的前提下产出的环境友好型大米。东方白鹳保护经济机制以城市居民对环境友好型"白鹳—大米"偏好明显为前提,通过城市居民的购买带来的经济效益保障农户收益并激励农户进行环境友好型耕种,同时给予东方白鹳更多的高质量生境,达到促进农业发展和保护东方白鹳的目的。在以上分析基础上,本论文还分析了国内外野生动物保护经济案例中存在的问题及解决办法,最后结合实地调查结果,建议在东方白鹳保护中使用经济激励机制,并提出了相应的配套措施。     

Investigation of genetic diversity and inbreeding in a Japanese native horse breed for suggestions on its conservation

Because native breeds can serve as genetic resources for adapting to environment changes, their conservation is important for future agroecosystems. Using pedigree analysis, we investigated genetic diversity and inbreeding in Japanese Hokkaido native horses, which have adapted to a cold climate and roughage diet. Genetic diversity was measured as the number of founders and the effective number of founders, ancestors and genomes. All metrics imply a decrease in genetic diversity. A comparison of these metrics suggested that pedigree bottlenecks contributed more than did random gene losses to the reduction of genetic diversity. Estimates of marginal contributions of ancestors suggest that the bottlenecks arose mainly because related stallions had been used for breeding. A tendency for an increase in inbreeding coefficients was observed. F‐statistics revealed that a small effective population size majorly contributed to this increase, although non‐random mating in particular regions also contributed. Because the bottlenecks are thought to have reduced the effective population size, our results imply that mitigation of bottlenecks is important for conservation. To this end, breeding should involve genetically diverse stallions. In addition, to prevent non‐random mating observed in particular regions, efforts should be made to plan mating with consideration of kinships.     

Genetic diversity of Forest and Savannah chicken populations of Ghana as estimated by microsatellite markers

The characterization of indigenous animal genetic resources is a requisite step in providing needed information for the conservation of useful genotypes against future needs. Thus, in this study, 22 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 114 local chickens from the Forest (n = 59) and Savannah (n = 55) eco‐zones of Ghana and the results compared to those of the ancestral red junglefowl (n = 15) and two European commercial chicken populations – a broiler (n = 25) and white leghorn (n = 25). A total of 171 alleles were observed, with an average of 7.8 alleles per locus. The local Ghanaian chickens showed higher diversity in terms of the observed number of alleles per locus (6.6) and observed heterozygosity (0.568) compared with the combined control populations (6.0 and 0.458, respectively). However, Wright's F‐statistics revealed negligible genetic differentiation (F_ST) in local Ghanaian chicken populations. In addition, 65% of the Savannah chickens were inferred to be more likely from the Forest, suggesting a south‐north dispersal of chickens from their probable original location in the Forest zone to the Savannah areas. It is concluded that the Forest and Savannah chickens of Ghana are a single, randomly mating unselected population, characterized by high genetic diversity and constitute a valuable resource for conservation and improvement.     

Population viability analysis of small population: a case study for Asian elephant in China

Small populations are at risk of extinction from deterministic and stochastic factors. Less than 250 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) remain in China, and are distributed in a few isolated areas; yet, population viability analyses of this endangered population have not been conducted. Here, the current genetic status of the Pu'Er‐Mengyang Asian elephant populations in China was analyzed, and the risk of extinction was predicted over the next 500 years. Factors affecting the viability of this population were determined through simulations. The genetic diversity of the population was very low (mean allele number: 3.1; expected heterozygosity: 0.463), even though a recent population bottleneck was not detected. The effective population size was approximately 24.1 adult elephants. Enough adult breeding individuals exist to maintain population viability. VORTEX simulation model showed that this population would not go extinct in the next 500 years. However, illegal poaching and harvesting could negatively affect population size. A sensitivity analysis showed that the mean stochastic growth rate of the study population is sensitive to sex ratio, number of breeding females, mortality of females of different age classes, carrying capacity, and lethal equivalents. Based on our results, we suggest that action should be taken to alleviate inbreeding and any further loss of genetic diversity, by connecting fragmented elephant habitat or by translocating individual elephants. In addition, human–elephant conflict should be mitigated using various modern approaches, including crop guarding techniques, and by encouraging farmers to switch to crops and income sources not vulnerable to elephant raids.     

The assessment of genetic diversity within and among the eight subpopulations of Japanese Black cattle using 52 microsatellite markers

Japanese Black cattle are at risk for genetic homogeneity due to intensive use of a few sires. Therefore, assessment of the actual genetic diversity of this breed is important for future breeding plans. In the present study, we investigated the genetic diversity within and among eight subpopulations of Japanese Black cattle using 52 microsatellite markers. The parameters for genetic diversity of Japanese Black cattle were comparable to those of other cattle breeds, suggesting that the relatively high genetic diversity of the breed. However, upon comparison among the eight subpopulations, the Hyogo subpopulation showed markedly low genetic diversity. The results of the pairwise F_ST values, phylogenetic network and structure analysis indicated that the Hyogo population has remarkably high level of genetic differentiation from other populations, while Yamagata, Niigata, Hiroshima and Kagawa populations have low levels of genetic differentiation. Furthermore, multidimensional scaling plots indicated that individuals in some subpopulations were separated from individuals in the other subpopulations. We conclude that while the overall genetic diversity of Japanese Black cattle is still maintained at a relatively high level, that of a particular subpopulation is significantly reduced, and therefore the effective population size of the breed needs to be controlled by correct mating strategies.     

Analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of red deer subspecies in XinJiang,China

Polymorphisms for seven microsatellite loci in three red deer subspecies (9 populations) found in XinJiang were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 12% nondenaturation polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the Sanguinetti silver staining method. Numbers of alleles, average effective numbers of alleles (E) and the average rate of homozygosity, allelic frequencies of seven microsatellite loci, polymorphism information content (PIC), mean heterozygosity (H) and genetic distances among the populations were calculated for each population. Dendrograms were constructed based on genetic distances by the neighbor‐joining method (NJ), utilizing molecular evolutionary genetics analysis software PHYLIP (3.6). The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on allelic frequencies using maximum likelihood (ML); the bootstrap value was estimated by bootstrap test in the tree. Lastly, phylogenesis was analyzed. The results showed that four of the seven microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic, but BMS2508 and Celjp0023 showed no polymorphism and BM5004 was a neutral polymorphism. It is our conclusion that the four microsatellite loci are effective DNA markers for the analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among the three red deer subspecies. The mean PIC, H and E‐values across the microsatellite loci were 0.5393, 0.5736 and 2.64, which showed that these microsatellite loci are effective DNA markers for the genetic analysis of red deer. C.e. songaricus populations from Regiment 104, 151 and Hami are clustered together. C.e. yarkandensis populations from Regiment 35, Xaya and Alaer are clustered together. These two clusters also cluster together. Lastly, C.e. sibiricus populations from Burqin, Regiment 188 and the first two clusters were clustered together. The phylogenetic relationship among different red deer populations is consistent with the known origin, history of breeding and geographic distributions of populations.     

Genetic diversity and structure in Bos taurus and Bos indicus populations analyzed by SNP markers

The purpose of this study was to assess genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship and population structure among nine Eurasian cattle populations using 58 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The calculated distribution of minor allele frequencies and heterozygosities suggested that the genetic diversity of Bos indicus populations was lower than that of Bos taurus populations. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the main divergence between the Bos taurus and Bos indicus populations, and subsequently between Asian and European populations. By principal components analysis, the Bos taurus and Bos indicus populations were clearly distinguished with PC1 (61.1%); however, six Bos taurus populations clustered loosely and the partial separation between European and Asian groups was observed by PC2 (12.5%). The structure analysis was performed using the STRUCTURE program. Distinct separation between Bos taurus and Bos indicus was shown at K = 2, and that between European and Asian populations at K = 3. At K = 4, 5 and 6, Mongolian population showed an admixture pattern with different ancestry of Asian and European cattle. At K = 7, all Bos taurus populations showed each cluster with little proportion of admixture. In conclusion, 58 SNP markers in this study could sufficiently estimate the genetic diversity, relationship and structure for nine Eurasian cattle populations, especially by analyses of principal components and STRUCTURE.     

Genetic diversity and structure of the West Balkan Pramenka sheep types as revealed by microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA analysis

Several different phenotypes of the native Pramenka sheep have been developed in the Balkan region for different environmental and socio‐cultural conditions. Animals from seven West Balkan Pramenka sheep types were analysed for 15 microsatellite markers and for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the results were used to assess genetic variation within and among the types and to infer the genetic population structure of the Pramenka sheep. Mean expected heterozygosity and allelic richness over the microsatellite loci and sheep types were 0.78 and 7.9, respectively. A Bayesian statistical method for estimating hidden genetic structure suggested that a core of the largest panmictic population was formed by Serbian, Kosovan, Bosnian, Montenegrin and Albanian types, while Croatian and Macedonian types comprised two other main populations, respectively. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed two mtDNA haplogroups in the Pramenka sheep, B and A, with a frequency of 93.7% and 6.3%, respectively. A total of 60 mtDNA haplotypes were found in 64 animals sequenced, and the mean nucleotide and haplotypic diversities over the types were 0.013 and 0.945, respectively. Molecular analysis suggests that the West Balkan Pramenka sheep types have their origins in two distinct maternal lineages of domestic sheep and different Pramenka phenotypes tend to form few panmictic populations. The Pramenka sheep represents a valuable resource of genetic diversity in sheep.     

Genetic diversity,structure and individual assignment of Casta Navarra cattle: a well‐differentiated fighting bull population

The Casta Navarra lineage was one of the populations used to establish the fighting bull (FB) breed, and it has also been reproductively isolated from the others FBs. A total of 1284 individuals from two generations of 16 Casta Navarra herds were sampled to analyse their diversity, their genetic structure and the ability of 28 microsatellite markers to assign individuals to closely related populations. These animals were compared with closely related phylogenetic (FB) or geographical (Pirenaica and Monchina) populations. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium analysis showed that 82% of the loci had a significant heterozygote deficit as a consequence of the Wahlund effect. The average proportion of genetic variation explained by farm differences was 9% by Wright's F_ST index. A phylogenetic tree constructed with a neighbour‐joining method based on Reynolds genetic distances and a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo clustering approach revealed clear differences between farm groups that generally corresponded to historical information and could unambiguously differentiate Casta Navarra cattle from the other populations. The percentage of animals correctly assigned to the Casta Navarra population was 91.78% for a q threshold of >0.9. Admixture was only detected in 4.45% (q < 0.8) of the cattle. These results are relevant for the maintenance and development of diversity and conservation in the Casta Navarra population.     

Changes of sires in a breeding farm enables maintenance of DNA‐level genetic variation in a produced herd of Hokkaido Native Horses

We investigated whether regular changes of the sire in a breeding farm of Hokkaido Native Horses (HKDs) enables the DNA‐level genetic variation of the produced animals to be maintained. The genotypes of 31 microsatellite markers were identified and analyzed in 207 animals produced in a breeding farm in which the sire was replaced every 3 to 5 years. The mean allele number indicating the degree of genetic variation was 5.97 and was similar to those reported previously. The mean observed heterozygosity was 0.74 and was higher than the expected heterozygosity, 0.69; F_IS was ?0.07, indicating that the analyzed animals reflected frequent outbreeding and had maintained genetic variation. Based on genetic structural analysis, the number of genetic subpopulations of the animals was estimated to be as 6, and the majority (more than 50%) of each subpopulation corresponded to the progeny of one of the sires used in the breeding farm; these observations suggested that genetic variation in the analyzed animals reflected the genetic differences among sires. Pedigree records indicated that the average co‐ancestry coefficient between sires used in the breeding farm was 0.015 corresponding to second cousin. This level of kinship among sires is acceptable for producing HKDs that maintain genetic variation.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of Mongolian and Russian yak populations

In this study we examined the genetic diversity of yak populations in the northernmost part of their current global distribution. Five Mongolian and one Russian yak populations as well as one Chinese yak population from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, the putative centre of yak domestication, were analysed with 15 microsatellite loci to determine the level of genetic variation within populations as well as the genetic differentiation and relationship between populations. A total of 116 microsatellite alleles were identified. The mean number of alleles per locus (MNA) across populations was 7.73 ± 1.98 and the mean expected heterozygosity (H_E) was 0.696 ± 0.026. The relative magnitude of gene differentiation (F_ST) among populations was 4.1%, and all genetic differentiations (F_ST) between populations were significant (p < 0.001). A significant inbreeding effect (F_IS) was detected in the Hovsgol yak (p < 0.01). There was no indication of a recent bottleneck in any of the populations studied. The results showed that yak populations in Mongolia and Russia have maintained high genetic diversity within populations and a low, although significant, genetic differentiation between populations. Both phylogenetic and principal component analyses support a close genetic relationship between the Gobi Altai, south Gobi and north Hangai populations, and between the Hovsgol and Buryatia populations respectively. Our results indicate that these yak populations should be considered as distinct genetic entities in respect of conservation and breeding programmes.     

Using genetic tools to inform conservation of fragmented populations of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) across their range in China

A herd of 15 Chinese elephants attracted international attention during their 2021 northward trek, motivating the government to propose establishment of an Asian elephant national park. However, planning is hampered by a lack of genetic information on the remaining populations in China. We collected DNA from 497 dung samples from all 5 populations encompassing the entire range of elephants in China and used mitochondrial and microsatellite markers to investigate their genetic and demographic structure. We identified 237 unique genotypes (153 females, 84 males), representing 81% of the known population. However, the effective population size was small (28, range 25–32). Historic demographic contraction appeared to account for low haplotype diversity (H_d = 0.235), but moderate nucleotide and nuclear diversity (π = 0.6%, H_e = 0.55) was attributable to post-bottleneck recovery involving recent population expansion plus historical gene exchange with elephants in Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Vietnam. The 5 populations fell into 3 clusters, with Nangunhe elephants differing consistently from the other 4 populations (F_ST = 0.23); elephants from Mengyang, Simao, and Jiangcheng belonged to a single population (henceforth, MSJ), and differed from the Shangyong population (F_ST = 0.11). Interpopulation genetic variation reflected isolation by distance and female-biased dispersal. Chinese elephants should be managed as 2 distinct units: Nangunhe and another combining Shangyong and MSJ; their long-term viability will require restoring gene flow between Shangyong and MSJ, and between elephants in China and neighboring countries. Our results have the potential to inform conservation planning for an iconic megafaunal species.     

江淮水牛线粒体D-loop区和Cytb基因遗传多态性及系统发育分析

为研究安徽江淮水牛群体的分子种质特性,本试验测定了江淮水牛2个亚群共82个个体的线粒体D-loop区和细胞色素b基因完整序列,分析了序列遗传多态性及系统进化关系,并结合GenBank中已发表的141条中国水牛D-loop序列,进行了联合分析。结果在D-loop区内共发现核苷酸多态位点91个,组成104个单倍型,其中32个是在江淮水牛中新发现的单倍型。总体mtDNA D-loop区核苷酸多样性为(0.015 43±0.001 42),单倍型多样性为(0.948±0.009)。其中,江淮水牛的mtDNA D-loop区核苷酸多样性为(0.014 89±0.002 32),单倍型多样性为(0.955±0.013),表明其群体遗传多样性丰富,群体变异性水平与中国其他水牛群体接近。根据线粒体D-loop区单倍型构建系统树和进化网络,显示江淮水牛存在沼泽型水牛线粒体支系A和B,表明其具有2个线粒体母系来源,其中B支又分为b1和b2两个亚支;针对细胞色素b基因的进化分析也支持这一结论。这些研究结果为今后开展江淮水牛遗传资源的保护和利用提供了客观依据。     

基于线粒体Cyt b基因和CR序列的养殖貉(Nyctereutes procyonoides)种群遗传多样性和结构分析

貉(Nyctereutes procyonoides)是一种重要的经济动物。经过50年的人工驯养繁育,国内养殖种群不断扩大,但对其遗传多样性和结构了解很少,难以开展有效的遗传管理。本研究分析了东北、华北地区养殖貉种群(N=160)的线粒体细胞色素b(Cyt b)基因和控制区(CR)序列,并与已经发表的同源序列进行比较。结果定义了5个Cyt b基因和6个CR序列单倍型,其中与俄罗斯产乌苏里亚种共享单倍型分别是3个和4个。种群遗传多样性分析表明,养殖貉种群单倍型多样性处于临界点(Hd=0.50)、核苷酸多样性处于较高水平(Pi>0.5%),但二者均明显低于俄罗斯野生乌苏里貉种群。这种遗传多样性模式可能主要是由奠基者效应(founder effect)导致的。此外,红褐色型貉遗传多样性水平显著低于野生型和白色型貉。系统发育分析表明国内养殖貉种群分为3个世系,主要是乌苏里亚种、与同亚种的俄罗斯野生种群亲缘关系密切。研究还发现有1个单倍型(CH5-DH5)与越南产指名亚种共享同一个单倍型世系。这说明建群引种中可能偶然引入了华南地区分布的指名亚种。综上分析,我国养殖貉种群已经出现遗传多样性下降的迹象,需要监控种群遗传多样性的变化,引入具有新基因型的野生貉种,制定科学的交配模式,避免近交衰退。