Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA assessment of the genetic diversity of captive Saiga antelopes (Saiga tatarica) in China

Abstract

To estimate the genetic diversity of the only captive Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) population in China, 40 umbilical cord samples were collected and mitochondrial (control region) and nuclear (microsatellite) variabilities were assessed. Both of the markers revealed low genetic variability (or high genetic homogeneity) within the population. The microsatellites yielded monitoring ranges of 2-6 alleles. The observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.28 to 0.83, and the expected heterozygosities were between 0.27 and 0.71. The Shannon information index (Shannon I) and Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) presented overall means of 0.87 and 0.43, respectively. The gene diversity was 0.49. We found only two haplotypes in the population, and the haplotype and nucleotide diversities were 39.1% and 1.13%, respectively. Founder events, bottlenecks and inbreeding have contributed to the low genetic variation observed in this population. Our findings revealed the extent of genetic diversity maintained in the present population and the urgency of implementing a protection plan, introducing animals from other populations to enhance saiga's genetic variation.Saiga tatarica, microsatellite, mitochondrial DNA, genetic diversity, bottleneck Citation:Zhao S S, Xu C Q, Liu G, et al. Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA assessment of the genetic diversity of captive Saiga antelopes (Saiga tatarica) in

Historical range, extirpation and prospects for reintroduction of saigas in China

“…Considering the combined effects of deterministic and stochastic factors, a self-sustaining captive population (enough breeding stock and high genetic diversity) is regarded as the foundation of a successful reintroduction 42 . Nowadays only WEWBC keeps a captive population in China, but its population size and genetic diversity levels are inadequate for reintroduction 18 . Therefore, the translocation of more saigas from wild populations, as well as improved management at WEWBC, is imperative if reintroduction is to succeed.…”

“…Currently, the population at WEWBC increased to over 170 individuals. However, founder events, bottlenecks and inbreeding have resulted in low genetic diversity in this captive population, which, together with harsh winter conditions and severe disease, has led to large fluctuations in population size18. For instance, the number of saigas at WEWBC decreased by 77% to nine individuals in 2000, which was the most dramatic crash since the founding population was established (Supplementary Fig.…”

The modern state of the European saiga population (Saiga tatarica tatarica): mtDNA, DRB3 MHC gene, and microsatellite diversity

“…Data were also obtained on the mtDNA CR fragment polymorphism and on nine STR loci for a small ( n = 40) saiga group kept in one of the breeding stations in China (Zhao et al. 2013). For both of the markers, a low genetic variability was shown.…”

“…The genetic diversity of saiga from different parts of its range has so far been described only through the analysis of a short mtDNA control region (CR) fragment of the recent and some museum samples (Kholodova et al 2001(Kholodova et al , 2005(Kholodova et al , 2006. Data were also obtained on the mtDNA CR fragment polymorphism and on nine STR loci for a small (n = 40) saiga group kept in one of the breeding stations in China (Zhao et al 2013). For both of the markers, a low genetic variability was shown.…”