Tag Archives: Captive breeding

A genomic framework to assist conservation breeding and translocation success: A case study of a critically endangered turtle

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Type: Journal article

Reference: Nelson, H. V., Farquharson, K. A., Georges, A., McLennan, E. A., DeGabriel, J. L., Giese, M., Ormond, C., McFadden, M., Skidmore, A., Prangell, J., Belov, K., & Hogg, C. J. (2024). A genomic framework to assist conservation breeding and translocation success: A case study of a critically endangered turtle. Conservation Science and Practice, 6(10), e13204. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.13204

Abstract

Conservation breeding programs are an effective approach to addressing biodiversity loss. Captive populations are managed to maintain genetic diversity, yet there remains an “implementation gap” in effectively translating molecular genetic data into management. Technological advancements are facilitating rapid generation of genetic data, increasing accessibility for breeding programs. In 2010, Frankham and colleagues proposed a six-stage process for establishing successful conservation breeding and release programs. Here, we describe the conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Bellinger River turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) and characterize the value of genetic sampling for informing management actions. By generating a chromosome-level genome and population genetic data, we investigated past and present diversity and assessed relatedness among captive founders. We present a framework modeled on Frankham and colleagues six stages to assist managers in implementing genetic data into actionable conservation strategies. This framework, and worked case study, for managers aims to better guide implementation of genetic approaches into conservation breeding programs.

Adaptive Genetic Management of a Reintroduction Program from Captive Breeding to Metapopulation Management of an Arboreal Marsupial

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Type: Journal article

Reference: Pierson, J. C., Berry, L., Alexander, L., Anson, J., Birkett, M., Kemp, L., Pascoe, B. A., Farquharson, K. A., & Hogg, C. J. (2023). Adaptive Genetic Management of a Reintroduction Program from Captive Breeding to Metapopulation Management of an Arboreal Marsupial. Diversity, 15(7), 848. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/15/7/848

Abstract

The application of genetic data to conservation management programs can be hindered by the mismatch in timelines for management decisions and the acquisition of genetic data, particularly genomic sequence data that may require outsourcing. While applying genetic principles where data are absent can provide general guidelines for actions, genetic data can often fine-tune actions through adaptive management. We describe the adaptive genetic management of the establishment of a metapopulation of a small arboreal marsupial, the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura). Two captive breeding programs were established as source populations, with genetic principles applied to the establishment of the first program and empirical genetic data used to guide the establishment of the second program. Genetic data from both programs were then used to allocate founders to three new populations to create a metapopulation with diversity both within and among the sites. Building and maintaining the diversity of metapopulations when recovering threatened species will reduce pressure on the original source populations and increase the resilience of the species.