Genetic diversity in ex situ populations of the endangered Leontopithecus chrysomelas and implications for its conservation.

ABSTRACT: Leontopithecus chrysomelas, the Golden-headed Lion Tamarin (GHLT), is an endangered and endemic Neotropical primate from the Atlantic Forest of Brazil that has suffered a reduction of its habitat and population size in the wild. Ex situ populations have been established as a relevant alternative to safeguard the species and retain its genetic diversity and evolutionary potential. This study evaluated the genetic diversity and structure of the two main Brazilian captive populations of GHLT, which have been under human care at the Primatology Center of Rio de Janeiro (CPRJ) and the Zoological Park Foundation of São Paulo (FPZSP). Our results revealed levels of genetic diversity overall comparable to those observed for other Leontopithecus species and for ex situ and in situ populations of GH

SUBMITTER: Aliaga-Samanez GG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10395972 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature