Tracking genetic diversity in amur tigers: a long-term study using microsatellites in Southwest Primorye, Russia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The tiger population in Southwest Primorye is small and predominantly isolated from the main Sikhote-Alin population, which constitutes approximately 90% of the wild Amur tiger population. By 1996, this population declined to fewer than 10 individuals, but it has since grown and expanded into nearby habitats, now numbering over 50 individuals. Therefore, the regular genetic monitoring of this population is essential, as it has grown from a few founding members and remained geographically isolated.

Methods and results

Genetic diversity was assessed using nine heterologous microsatellite markers amplified from non-invasively collected samples of 20 individual tigers. The Southwest Primorye tiger population exhibited moderate genetic diversity, with allelic richness

SUBMITTER: Lee J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11865129 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature