2023-08-30 10:50:27
The arrui is a protected species throughout its native range, however its populations are in decline due to illegal hunting, competition for food with domestic livestock, and destruction of its habitats. A genetic study published in the journal Conservation Genetics, It will make it possible to establish future conservation measures that ensure the maintenance and preservation of the genetic diversity of the species, as well as to determine where the most valuable populations are found, whether native, exotic or in captivity.
The work, which is Led by CIBIO and with the participation of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), it consists of the most complete genetic analysis to date of African arrui populations (Ammotragus lervia).
127 samples of five of the six currently recognized arruis subspecies were collected, of which 74 offered sufficient genetic material for analysis in the laboratory.
To carry out this research, we collected 127 samples of five of the six subspecies of arruis currently recognized, of which 74 offered sufficient genetic material for analysis in the laboratory (microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA). Thanks to these analyses, it was possible to infer the structure of the populations and their phylogenetic relationships, as well as trace the maternal lineages of the individuals introduced into Spanish populations.
The results obtained support the presence of four genetically different North African populations, those located on the Atlantic coast of the Sahara, the central Sahara, Tunisia and Egypt.
Flock of arruis / Ximo Albors
New subspecies not described by science
According to one of the authors of the paper, Teresa Abáigara researcher at the Experimental Station of Arid Zones (EEZA-CSIC), “the population that is preserved in the Experimental Farm “La Hoya” is precisely the one that corresponds to the population of the Atlantic coast of the Sahara, which has been preserve thanks to the “ex situ” conservation program coordinated from the EEZA”.
Jorge Cassinelloresponsible for coordinating the project and co-author of the study, stresses the relevance of the arruis kept in the CSIC facilities, as a safeguard for the Atlantic population, which, “according to the results obtained in this work, would correspond to a new subspecies not described by science to date”.
According to the results obtained in this work, it would correspond to a new subspecies not described by science to date.
Jorge Cassinello, co-author of the study
The genetic diversity appreciated in all wild populations It was low. This could be a consequence of the existence of small founder groups that lead to an increase in inbreeding, which is probably related to the high hunting pressure to which they are subjected in their native range, as well as fragmentation. and decrease of suitable habitats.
This study provides relevant information to implement effective conservation measures of the arrui, These would include the reintroduction and reinforcement of particularly threatened populations, as well as the exchange of individuals between captive populations to increase their genetic diversity and their potential viability for future reintroductions.
Reference:
C Pizzigalli, TL Silva, T Abáigar, G Bertorelle, J Cassinello, JC Brito. “Assessment of population structure and genetic diversity of wild and captive populations of Ammotragus lervia provide insights for conservation management”. Conservation Genetics
Rights: Creative Commons.
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