ScienceDaily (Nov. 21, 2012) — Studying the
genetic variability of endangered species is becoming increasingly necessary
for species conservation and monitoring. But, endangered species are difficult
to observe and sample, and typically harbour very limited genetic diversity.
Until now, the process of finding genetic markers was time consuming and quite
expensive. These obstacles make the collection of genetic data from endangered
animals a difficult task to fulfill. A research team led by Lounès Chikhi,
group leader at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (IGC) and CNRS researcher
(in Toulouse, France), has now contributed to change the odds when looking for
diversity.
Taking
advantage of cutting edge DNA sequencing methodology and the collaborations
with the Sabah Wildlife Department in Malaysia, Rachel O'Neill's
laboratory (University of Connecticut) and a private company
(Floragenex), they were able to identify the genetic markers for the Bornean
elephant, an endangered species, using blood from very few animals. The results
showed that Bornean elephants have very low genetic variability that can impact
on their survival to a threatened habitat, but that variable genetic markers
can still be identified.
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