Bespoke markers for ex-situ conservation : application, analysis and challenges in the assessment of a population of endangered undulate rays

• Genetic data are important and informative in the management of ex-situ populations. Where the risk of inbreeding is particularly great, it is critical that tools are employed that allow for the quantification of genetic variation and to identify potential breeding pairs. This study demonstrates the rapid application of laboratory and bioinformatics techniques to develop a novel microsatellite marker panel for use with a population of the endangered undulate ray (Raja undulata) and shows how a minimally invasive sampling method can be used with aquarium-dwelling individuals. The study assesses the population and investigates how informative a small microsatellite marker panel is to the conservation of a restricted ex-situ group. It was found that after a single captive generation of R. undulata there is no detectable evidence of reduced heterozygosity and no observable aquaria effects or differences between the generations. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that it is practical, quick and informative to develop a bespoke panel of markers to aid ex-situ conservation efforts of non-model species and make recommendations that these processes should constitute the minimum effort required in managing such a population.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

elasmobranchii

microsatellite markers

next generation sequencing

population genetic structure

Raja undulata

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)