Genetic Diversity and Population Viability Assessment of Endangered Ungulates in Isolated and Fragmented Habitats

Abstract

Diversity in genes plays an important role in the sustenance and resilience of endangered ungulates especially in isolated habitat patches since lack of connectivity results in inbreeding and increased chances of extinction. Fragmentation of the habitats affects gene movement, changes the demography of the species, and impacts demographic stability. The study sought to explore the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic stability of endangered ungulates within habitat patches and the success of conservation initiatives in their sustainability. Population size, population density, population structure, and distribution were determined through surveys in twelve habitat patches. Genetic sampling involved the collection of DNA from 420 individuals using non-invasive methods. Genetic diversity parameters, inbreeding coefficients, and gene flow were examined. The models used for landscape genetics and Population Viability Analysis (PVA) included connectivity and extinction probability under present and management scenarios. The population density was between 0.88 and 2.00 individuals/km2, and effective population size (Ne) was between 28 and 184. Heterozygosity was found to decrease from 0.72 to 0.41 and allelic richness decreased from 11.4 to 5.8 due to increasing levels of isolation, while inbreeding coefficients increased from 0.04 to 0.19. PVA predicted an extinction probability of 37.8% under the current situation, but if an integration strategy for conservation, such as habitat enhancement, corridors, and assisted gene flow, were implemented, it was expected to be reduced to 2.1%. It is very essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring sustainability that landscape connectivity be maintained and integrated strategies for demography, genetics, and landscape be employed.