Genetic Restoration of the Florida Panther
2010; American Association for the Advancement of Science; Volume: 329; Issue: 5999 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1126/science.1192891
ISSN1095-9203
AutoresWarren E. Johnson, David P. Onorato, Melody E. Roelke, E. Darrell Land, Mark W. Cunningham, Robert C. Belden, Roy McBride, Deborah Jansen, Mark Lotz, David B. Shindle, JoGayle Howard, David E. Wildt, Linda M. Penfold, Jeffrey A. Hostetler, Madan K. Oli, Stephen J. O’Brien,
Tópico(s)Genetic diversity and population structure
ResumoThe rediscovery of remnant Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) in southern Florida swamplands prompted a program to protect and stabilize the population. In 1995, conservation managers translocated eight female pumas (P. c. stanleyana) from Texas to increase depleted genetic diversity, improve population numbers, and reverse indications of inbreeding depression. We have assessed the demographic, population-genetic, and biomedical consequences of this restoration experiment and show that panther numbers increased threefold, genetic heterozygosity doubled, survival and fitness measures improved, and inbreeding correlates declined significantly. Although these results are encouraging, continued habitat loss, persistent inbreeding, infectious agents, and possible habitat saturation pose new dilemmas. This intensive management program illustrates the challenges of maintaining populations of large predators worldwide.
Referência(s)