Abstract:
Wildlife is a multi-million dollar industry in
South Africa ranging from intensively farmed animals on
small properties to free-roaming animals in large functional
ecosystems. Specific concerns surrounding the conservation
value of the intensively managed wildlife have been
raised. Increasingly it is recognised that genetics must be
considered when developing conservation policy and
management practices. Minimal genetic data are available
to assist with decisions within the industry. Microsatellite
markers have been developed for some species and are
currently used for individual identification, parentage
assessment and to inform translocation decisions. However,
validation for standardized application in wildlife
management has not been completed. Common species for
which conservation management decisions have to be
made include: Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), blue
wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus taurinus), common
impala (Aepyceros melampus) and sable antelope (Hippotragus
niger). Using existing microsatellite markers for
domestic and wild species, we have developed multiplex
panels for use in these species. We discriminated between
751 buffalo (four pairs were not distinguishable), 1307 blue wildebeest (three pairs were not distinguishable), 580
impala and 493 sable antelope. We determined parentage
in four case studies using a combination of microsatellite
and demographic data. We also tested microsatellite
markers on roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus), gemsbok
(Oryx gazella) and eland (Tragelaphus oryx) and report
preliminary data. Further research to improve this validation
includes: extensive sampling from more diverse areas,
targeted or full genome sequencing to identify additional
microsatellite loci, development of sampling kits and
training of veterinarians, as well as expansion of the species
tested.
