Analysis of genetic diversity in Bolivian llama populations using microsatellites

Abstract

South American camelids (SACs) have a major role in the maintenance and potential future of rural Andean human populations. More than 60% of the 3.7 million llamas living worldwide are found in Bolivia. Due to the lack of studies focusing on genetic diversity in Bolivian llamas, this analysis investigates both the genetic diversity and structure of 12 regional groups of llamas that span the greater part of the range of distribution for this species in Bolivia. The analysis of 42 microsatellite markers in the considered regional groups showed that, in general, there were high levels of polymorphism (a total of 506 detected alleles; average PIC across per marker: 0.66), which are comparable with those reported for other populations of domestic SACs. The estimated diversity parameters indicated that there was high intrapopulational genetic variation (average number of alleles and average expected heterozygosity per marker: 12.04 and 0.68, respectively) and weak genetic differentiation among populations (FST range: 0.003-0.052). In agreement with these estimates, Bolivian llamas showed a weak genetic structure and an intense gene flow between all the studied regional groups, which is due to the exchange of reproductive males between the different flocks. Interestingly, the groups for which the largest pairwise FST estimates were observed, Sud Lípez and Nor Lípez, showed a certain level of genetic differentiation that is probably due to the pattern of geographic isolation and limited communication infrastructures of these southern localities. Overall, the population parameters reported here may serve as a reference when establishing conservation policies that address Bolivian llama populations.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Llamas (Lama glama) from the Camelid Germplasm Bank—Quimsachata

“…Thus, our results might indicate that this management strategy has contributed to maintaining high genetic variability, and it will be complemented with the routine assessment of the genetic variability by means of molecular markers such as microsatellites or single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Furthermore, our results are similar to those from Argentinean (7.33-8.33 mean alleles per microsatellite and He of 0.47-0.9; [1,52]) and Bolivian (12.04 alleles per microsatellite and He = 0.68) llama populations [2]. Likewise, in those studies, the He was always higher than the Ho, and a higher value of He was reported in the Quimsachata llama population compared to the Bolivian llama population.…”

“…Likewise, in those studies, the He was always higher than the Ho, and a higher value of He was reported in the Quimsachata llama population compared to the Bolivian llama population. Nonetheless, it is important to mention that they used different sets of microsatellite markers (many of which were individually used in this study), and in the case of Barreta et al (2013), they were not necessarily specific for SACs. Thus, to make a more adequate comparison, we would ultimately have to use the same set of microsatellites used in those studies.…”

“…Llamas (Lama glama) are the largest South American camelids (SACs) and the best adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions [1]. They can be mainly found in the Andean region between 2300 and 4000 m above sea level in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, northwest Argentina, and central Chile [2]. After Bolivia, Peru is the country with the second-largest population of llamas in the world [3], being primarily found in the Department of Puno, with almost 35% of the total Peruvian llama population [4].…”

“…After Bolivia, Peru is the country with the second-largest population of llamas in the world [3], being primarily found in the Department of Puno, with almost 35% of the total Peruvian llama population [4]. For the local economy, llamas are seen as multipurpose animals; given their low-fat and low-cholesterol but high-protein content, their meat is consumed [2], and occasionally their intestines are used to make string and drums, while their excrement is used as fuel. Moreover, they are pack animals and their fiber is often used for clothing [5].…”

Ancient Agropastoral System of the Bolivian Altiplano: a Robust Ecosystem Endangered from Changes in Land-use

“…The United Nations Human Development Index ranks Bolivia 118 th out of 188 countries, with 45% of the population living below the poverty line (UNHDI, 2016). Llama husbandry is recognized as an important element of the Altiplano ecosystem (Barreta et al, 2013;Treydte, Salvatierra, Sauerborn, & Lamers, 2011;Postigo, Young, & Crews, 2008;Fairfield, 2004) as it ensures soil fertility and seed dispersal while providing a livelihood and a source of many goods and services for rural communities. Small ruminant (llama and sheep) husbandry is the principal economic activity for more than 54 000 rural poor families in Bolivia, while 3 000 families pursue llama husbandry as their primary source of income (Barreta et al, 2013;Vera, 2006).…”