Mixed-source introductions successfully enhance the genetic diversity of captive forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii).

ABSTRACT: Wild Forest musk deer (FMD) has been declining due to continuing poaching and habitat loss. Although captive breeding has increased population numbers, maintaining genetic diversity in these farmed populations has become increasingly urgent and challenging due to depleted wild stocks and loss of genetic diversity from inbreeding in captive populations. Using samples from 683 individuals, we assessed mitochondrial genetic diversity (ATP8-6, Cytb, control region [CR]), structure, and maternal lineage patterns in a newly established ex-situ population (BB; founded 2019 with 44 breeders) and its three founding source populations (PZH, TZL, GL) in western China. Our results demonstrate that the ex-situ population maintains higher nucleotide diversity (π) in ATP8-6 and Cytb than its source popul

SUBMITTER: Lan X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12923663 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature