Comparison of genomic diversity and structure of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) in zoos, conservation centers, and private ranches in North America

Abstract

As we enter the sixth mass extinction, many species that are no longer self‐sustaining in their natural habitat will require ex situ management. Zoos have finite resources for ex situ management, and there is a need for holistic conservation programs between the public and private sector. Ex situ populations of sable antelope, Hippotragus niger, have existed in zoos and privately owned ranches in North America since the 1910s. Unknown founder representation and relatedness has made the genetic management of this species challenging within zoos, while populations on privately owned ranches are managed independently and retain minimal‐to‐no pedigree history. Consequences of such challenges include an increased risk of inbreeding and a loss of genetic diversity. Here, we developed and applied a customized targeted sequence capture panel based on 5,000 genomewide single‐nucleotide polymorphisms to investigate the genomic diversity present in these uniquely managed populations. We genotyped 111 sable antelope: 23 from zoos, 43 from a single conservation center, and 45 from ranches. We found significantly higher genetic diversity and significantly lower inbreeding in herds housed in zoos and conservation centers, when compared to those in privately owned ranches, likely due to genetic‐based breeding recommendations implemented in the former populations. Genetic clustering was strong among all three populations, possibly as a result of genetic drift. We propose that the North American ex situ population of sable antelope would benefit from a metapopulation management system, to halt genetic drift, reduce the occurrence of inbreeding, and enable sustainable population sizes to be managed ex situ.

Insights from the rescue and breeding management of Cuvier’s gazelle (Gazella cuvieri) through whole‐genome sequencing

“…Its historical range once spanned from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coast to the northern border of the Sahara (El Alami, 2018 ; Lavauden, 1924 ). However, the species has declined dramatically since the 1950s (Beudels‐Jamar et al, 2006 ) due to excessive hunting, anthropogenic barriers, feeding competition with domestic livestock and habitat degradation (Attum & Mahmoud, 2012 ; Beudels‐Jamar et al, 2006 ; Grettenberger & Newby, 1990 ; Herrera‐Sánchez et al, 2020 ). Today, only a few small and isolated populations remain (Aulagnier et al, 2015 ; Beudels‐Jamar et al, 2006 ; Gil‐Sánchez et al, 2017 ; IUCN, 2018 ).…”

De novowhole-genome assembly and resequencing resources for the roan (Hippotragus equinus), an iconic African antelope

“…Both countries are geographically closer to Ethiopia and Tanzania, and therefore, higher genetic similarity to the reference genome may reflect geographical proximity of these populations. Studying genome-wide diversity constitutes an important application of SNVs towards species management in both ex- and in-situ programs, as it is being applied for the sable antelope ( Gooley et al 2020 ).…”

Rescued back from extinction in the wild: past, present and future of the genetics of the Arabian oryx in Oman

“…A group management strategy might involve genetic monitoring for genetic diversity and rotation of groups of individuals between the three enclosures. Approaches like this are currently being carried out for the threatened sable antelope ( Hippotragus niger ) in the USA (Source Population Alliance—Conservation Centers for Species Survival; [ 64 ]). More specifically, this group strategy might involve the establishment of satellite breeding groups, which would include a smaller breeding nucleus with multiple females, complemented with a seasonal rotational male breeding scheme, so that females have the opportunity to breed with other representative males [ 63 ] from the genetic lineages identified in this study.…”