Rare species are often found in small and isolated populations which often can r
ID: 225862 • Letter: R
Question
Rare species are often found in small and isolated populations which often can result in genetic problems that lower survival and reproduction. We had two examples of species in small size population. Here you are to choose one of these examples to address in the questions below. Circle your choice of one of the following: What is the particular conservation genetic issue(s) with your chosen species' State the issue and then explain why this is often a problem in small and isolated population. What was the management solution for this problem? What was the outcome to the implementation of this solution?Explanation / Answer
Answer 3a:
While loss of habitat, hunting and at least one recorded instance of feeding on poisoned prey like racoon high in mercury have been cited as reasons for drop in the population of Florida panthers, inbreeding is a primary conservation genetic issue associate with the drop. As the populations dropped and the Florida panthers became a small and isolated population the inbreeding amongst them increased. Inbreeding, apart from causing genetic disorders like malformations of body parts, blindness etc. which threaten the long-term survival of the individual, and can cause birth defects like low birth weights and mortality at birth itself. And from the point of view of continuation of species, most serious of all, inbreeding is also guilty of causing infertility. In fact, inbreeding in the Florida panthers had reached a similar level where panthers were born without testicles.
Answer 3b:
Answer 3c:
Efforts succeeded dramatically. The habitats provided a huge support to the panthers, who were so possessive of their territories that they got into fights. The feedback form the collared animals was hugely helpful to maintain vast expanses of habitat especially for the Florida panther. The captive breeding programs yielded good results and the birth rate overtook the deaths. The genetic variation due to cross breeding helped in maintain a healthy population and eliminated the threat of inbreeding.
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