Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology

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Khosravi R, Mahmoudi D, Kaboli M, Julaie L. The Potential of Captive Populations as Founders in Reintroduction Programs: A Case Study of Wild Sheep at the Miankotal Captive Breeding Site. Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology 2025; 13 (3) :1-13
URL: http://ijae.iut.ac.ir/article-1-1240-en.html

Although captive breeding and conservation programs have saved many species from extinction, nearly one-third of reintroduction programs have failed due to genetic challenges. Therefore, addressing conservation genetics issues is critical for the success in such programs. This study evaluated the genetic variation, structure, inbreeding, and kinship relationships among individuals of wild sheep (Ovis gmelini) at the Miankotal Captive Breeding Site (Fars Province) using 20 blood samples and eight microsatellites. The genetic structure and kinship relationships between individuals were examined using the STRUCTURE and Colony softwares. The mean allelic richness and inbreeding coefficient were 10.5 and -0.1, respectively. No distinctive genetic structure was observed in the studied population. However, sibling relationships were identified among some individuals, raising concerns about potential future inbreeding. The results indicated that while the studied population maintains relatively high genetic variation and low inbreeding levels, if the goal is to release into the wild, it is essential to take efforts for the genetic rescue of the population by increasing genetic diversity through the introduction of new individuals to the population, considering the genetic distance between the source and destination populations.