BACKGROUND: Captive breeding programs play a vital role in conservation of threatened species, necessitating an understanding of genetic diversity among captive individuals to ensure long-term genetic viability, appropriate mate selection, and successful reintroduction to native habitats.
RESULTS: We did not observe any recent genetic bottleneck, and population showed moderate genetic diversity. The estimated effective population size, representing individuals capable of contributing genetically to future generations, was estimated as 18.6 individuals (11.4-35.1 at 95% CI). Based on the genetic make-up and allelic diversity, we found seventeen pangolins (11 females and 6 males) were genetically unrelated and relatively more potent than others.
CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we evaluated the captive breeding program of the Indian pangolin population at the Pangolin Conservation Breeding Centre in Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. We highlight the significance of genetic monitoring within the captive population of Indian pangolin for preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term survival of the species. We established the genetic profiles of all 29 pangolins and identified 17 pangolins to be prioritized for enhanced breeding and future zoo exchange programs. We appreciate the zoo authorities for promoting genetic assessment of pangolin for better and more effective monitoring of the captive breeding of the endangered Indian pangolin.

High-density single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant and robust form of genetic variants and hence make highly favorable markers to determine the genetic diversity and relationship, enhancing the selection of breeding materials and the discovery of novel genes associated with economically important traits. In this study, a total of 105 barley genotypes were sampled from various agro-ecologies of Ethiopia and genotyped using 10 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The refined dataset was used to assess genetic diversity and population structure.
The average gene diversity was 0.253, polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.216, and minor allelic frequency (MAF) of 0.118 this revealed a high genetic variation in barley genotypes. The genetic differentiation also showed the existence of variations, ranging from 0.019 to 0.117, indicating moderate genetic differentiation between barley populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that 46.43% and 52.85% of the total genetic variation occurred within the accessions and populations, respectively. The heat map, principal components and population structure analysis further confirm the presence of four distinct clusters.
This study confirmed that there is substantial genetic variation among the different barley genotypes. This information is useful in genomics, genetics and barley breeding.

Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.), a species listed as endangered, is currently undergoing rapid decline due to habitat loss and the introduction of Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum, a non-native pathogen causing butternut canker. The decline of butternut has led to the development of cryobiological methods for the ex-situ conservation of the species since viability is not maintained using conventional methods. In this study, we assess the survivability and growth of butternut embryogenic axes into plantlets after 7 years of cryopreservation. Results show that cryopreservation is a highly effective method for the long-term storage of embryogenic axes since both survival and subsequent acclimatization into plantlets was successful with an average of 76% survival and 71% acclimatization, respectively. These results surpass the actual duration viability for non-cryogenic storage of butternut seed and we hope that future testing will result in longer term success of this cryobiological method and provide much needed germplasm for future restoration.

Interspecific hybridization is a critical issue in conservation biology because it may drive small populations to extinction through direct or indirect processes. In this study, to develop a conservation strategy for an endangered rear-edge population of Carex podogyna in Ashiu, Kyoto, Japan, we performed a molecular genetic analysis of the wild population and an ex-situ population established from wild seeds. Microsatellite genotypic data revealed a complete loss of genetic diversity in the wild population, suggesting that it has long been prone to genetic drift due to isolation as a small population. In contrast, microsatellite analysis of 13 ex-situ individuals detected multiple alleles that are not harbored in the wild C. podogyna population. Sequence analysis revealed that these individuals are likely natural hybrids between C. podogyna and a co-occurring species, C. curvicollis, although established hybrids have never been found in the natural habitat. Based on our observation of variegated leaves in hybrid individuals, we propose that hybrids have been excluded by natural selection and/or interspecific competition caused by insufficient productivity of photosynthesis, although other genetic and ecological factors may also be influential. Overall, this study indicates that natural mechanisms selectively removing the hybrids have maintained the genetic purity of this rear-edge population of C. podogyna, and also emphasizes the importance of genetic assessment in ex-situ conservation programs.

Artificial reproductive technologies are highly valuable for ex situ conservation. While Arabian bustard populations are declining and extinct in some parts of the range, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in the United Arab Emirates implemented a conservation breeding program. Since 2012, a total of 1253 eggs were laid through natural reproduction, 1090 were incubated and 379 of these were fertile (fertility rate of 34.8%), leading to the production of 251 chicks. To improve fertility and acquire crucial knowledge for other endangered large birds, artificial reproduction was implemented in 2018 using fresh, refrigerated, and frozen sperm. A total of 720 ejaculates were collected from 12 birds. We analysed these samples for concentration, volume, motility score (0 to 5), viability (eosin/nigrosine), length, and morphology. The first age at collection was 35.7 ± 18.8 months, mean volume was 89.2 ± 65.3 µL, mean concentration was 928 ± 731 sptz/mL and mean motility score was 2.61 ± 0.95. Morphology analyses revealed a bimodal distribution of sperm length. Five hundred and thirty-five ejaculates were cryopreserved and the initial motility score was 3.4 ± 0.7 and 2.0 ± 0.6 after thawing, while the percentage of normal and intact membrane sperm cells decreased from 88.8 ± 7.5% to 52.9 ± 1%. Sixty-five artificial inseminations were performed, leading to a global fertility rate of 84.3%-more precisely, 85.2% and 83.3%, respectively, for fresh and cryopreserved semen. All methods successfully produced fertile eggs, indicating that artificial insemination is an efficient tool for the conservation and genetic management of the species.

BACKGROUND: Genetics driven interventions if adopted in conservation breeding projects may enhance the overall success by prioritizing breeding among genetically most competent individuals and delaying or completely diminishing the ill effects of inbreeding.
RESULTS: In the present study, we investigated genetic make-up of 15 tigers housed at five different captive facilities of West Bengal in India and report the moderate level of genetic variation. We identified five tigers based on individual genetic attributes that may be prioritized for future breeding or animal exchange programmes. The occurrence of first and second order related individuals in captivity require management attention and they should be paired considering their immediate genetic background.
CONCLUSIONS: Considering tiger as a case study, we highlight the use of genetic assessment and necessity to validate the studbook records in formulating adaptive management strategies for long-term conservation and management of species of interest.

BACKGROUND: The red panda has been classified as an endangered species due to the decreased number in the world and disease is considered as a great threat to the health and survival of the cubs in captivity.
RESULTS: This study analyzed 32 red panda cub mortalities (15 females and 17 males, age less than two months) through gross necropsy, microbiological examination, and histopathological observation at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, China, during 2014-2020. The results showed that screenings for canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, rotavirus and parasite infection were all negative, however bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas were isolated from the tissue samples of some cubs. The major causes of death were respiratory (43.75%) and digestive system disease (28.13%), followed by cardiovascular disease (12.5%) and neonatal stillbirths (9.38%). Renal system diseases and trauma were also detected, at lower incidence (one case for each). The mortality rate within 15 days of birth was 68.75% and gradually decreased with age, there was no significant difference in gender.
CONCLUSIONS: This study can provide a scientific basis for the analysis of the cause of death among red panda cubs in captivity, so as to improve the survival rate, help build the captive population and further the ex-situ conservation management of this endangered species. Additionally, our research may also provide insights into the in-situ conservation of wild red pandas by identifying emerging disease threats within the wild population and potential treatment for rescued individuals.

Dogroses belong to a taxonomically difficult genus and family and represent important phytogenetic resources associated with high ornamental, pharmaceutical-cosmetic and nutritional values, thus suggesting a potentially high exploitation merit. Triggered by these prospects, wild-growing Rosa canina populations of Greece were selected for investigation and evaluation of their potential for integrated domestication. We collected ripe rosehips from Greek native wild-growing populations (samples from seven genotypes) for phytochemical analysis (total phenolics, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity and vitamin C content), leaf samples for DNA analysis using the ITS2 sequence (nine genotypes) and fresh soft-wood stem cuttings for propagation trials (seven genotypes). After evaluation of these materials, this study reports for the first-time distinct DNA-fingerprinted genotypes from Greece with interesting phytochemical profiles mainly in terms of Vitamic C content (up to 500.22 ± 0.15 mg of ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g of sample) as well as effective asexual propagation protocols for prioritized R. canina genotypes via cuttings. The latter highlights the importance of the levels of external hormone application (2000 ppm of indole-3-butyric acid), the effect of season (highly-effective spring trials) and genotype-specific differences in rooting capacities of the studied genotypes. All inclusive, this study offers new artificially selected material of Greek native R. canina with a consolidated identity and interesting phytochemical profile. These materials are currently under ex-situ conservation for further evaluation and characterization in pilot field studies, thus facilitating its sustainable exploitation for applications in the agro-alimentary, medicinal-cosmetic, and ornamental sectors.

Chinese yew (Taxus wallichiana var. mairei) is ranked as a rare and endangered plant of first-grade protection of China. It has been widely cultivated in 17 provinces of China over the past few decades. However, little is known about the dispersion, rewilding, and ecological influence of Chinese yew\'s offspring during cultivation. Here, we report a noteworthy case of this species, via ex situ conservation, which has successfully spread into different secondary forests, thus forming a stable regenerating population in eastern China. The establishment of this yew population, which has > 900 individuals and 7 ha area, can be ascribed to two key ecological factors: (1) secondary forest near the parent yews that provided suitable microhabitats in which progeny yews could germinate and grow, and (2) seed-foraging and transportation by native birds. Thus, this case may offer a pathway for conserving endangered Chinese Taxus species, which can attract frugivorous birds to disperse their seeds. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the growth performance of progeny population in the field.

Ex-situ conservation strategies such as the formation of somatic cell banks are valuable tools for the conservation of jaguars, whose population has been declining in recent years. Once properly established, these cells can be successfully leveraged for future applications. We aimed to assess the effects of in vitro culture and cryopreservation on the establishment of fibroblasts derived from jaguars. Initially, we identified five dermal fibroblastic lines using morphology and immunophenotyping assays; these lines were then subjected to two experiments. In the first experiment, the viability, metabolism, and proliferative activity of cells at different passages (first, third, and tenth) were evaluated. In the second experiment, the cells were cryopreserved and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis were evaluated after one, three, and ten passages. Noncryopreserved cells were used as controls. The in vitro culture after first, third, and tenth passages and cryopreservation conditions did not affect the proliferative activity and viability. However, cells cultured until tenth passage and frozen/thawed cells showed reduced metabolism. In addition, cryopreserved cells showed higher levels of intracellular ROS and altered ΔΨm when compared with those of noncryopreserved cells. Finally, frozen/thawed cells cultured after ten passages showed reduced proliferative activity and number of viable cells than did frozen/thawed cells cultured after one and three passages. In summary, we have shown that viable fibroblasts can be established from jaguar skin and that although these cells do not show altered viability and proliferative activity, they do undergo damage during extended culture and cryopreservation.