Pedigree analysis for the genetic management of group-living species.
Captive breeding programs are an important tool for the conservation of endangered species. These programs are commonly managed using pedigrees containing information about the history of each individual's family, such as breeding pairs and parentage. However, there are some species that are kept in groups where it is hard to distinguish between particular individuals within the group, making it very difficult to record any information at an individual level. Currently, software and methods commonly used for registering and analyzing pedigrees to help manage populations at an individual level are not adequate for managing these group-living species. Therefore, there is a need to further develop these tools and methodologies for pedigree analysis to better manage group-living species. PMx is a program used for the management of ex situ populations in zoos and aquariums. We adapted the pedigree analysis method implemented in PMx to analyze pedigrees (records of descendant lineages) of group-living species. In addition, we developed a group pedigree data entry sheet and group2PMx, a converter program that enables group datasets to be imported into PMx. We show how pedigree analysis of a group-living species can be used for population management using the studbook of the endangered Texas blind cave salamander Eurycea rathbuni. Such analyses of the pedigree of groups can improve the management of group-living species in ex situ breeding programs. Firstly, it enables better management decisions based on more accurate genetic measures between groups, allowing for greater control of inbreeding. Secondly, it can improve the conditions in which group-living species are held by adapting husbandry practices to better reflect conditions of these species living in the wild. The use of the spreadsheet and group2PMx extends the application of PMx, allowing conservation managers and other institutions outside the zoo and aquarium community to easily import and analyze their pedigree data.
Bioinformatics Research Centre Aarhus University C.F. Møllers Allé 8DK-8000 Aarhus C Denmark; Agro Paris Tech UMR 1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative 16 rue Claude Bernard 75231 Paris 05 France; INRA UMR 1313 Génétique animale et Biologie Intégrative 78350 Jouy-en-Josas France.
Belén
B
Jiménez-Mena
European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Amsterdam The Netherlands.
Kristine
K
Schad
Audubon Nature Institute 6500 Magazine St. New Orleans Louisiana 70118.
Nick
N
Hanna
Chicago Zoological Society Brookfield Illinois 60513.
Robert C
RC
Lacy
Conservation genetics; Eurycea rathbuni; Texas blind cave salamander; ex situ conservation; group management; group2PMx; group‐living organisms; population management