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Detecting introgressive hybridization to maintain genetic integrity in endangered large waterbird: a case study in milky stork

Kaminsin, Damisa, Warrit, Natapot, Sankhom, Rangsinee, Piamsanga, Krittee, Sanannu, Saowaphang, Baicharoen, Sudarath, Wiwegweaw, Amporn (2023) Detecting introgressive hybridization to maintain genetic integrity in endangered large waterbird: a case study in milky stork. Scientific Reports, 13 (1). Article Number 8892. ISSN 2045-2322. (doi:10.1038/s41598-023-35566-x) (KAR id:101502)

Abstract

Hybridization between milky stork (Mycteria cinerea) and painted stork (M. leucocephala) occurs frequently in captivity. Dusit Zoo is a captive breeding facility where storks with phenotypically ambiguous patterns have recently been observed, and their status remaining inconclusive. Here, we used a combination of phenotypic characters and genetic markers (cytochrome b and 14 microsatellite markers) to distinguish and identify hybrids from the two parental species (n = 114). Haplotype analysis revealed asymmetric mtDNA introgression from M. cinerea to M. leucocephala, with twelve morphologically classified M. leucocephala individuals carrying heterospecific mtDNA. Comprehensive biparental genetic assessments identified 33% of all three genetic clusters as admixed individuals, of which most were either F2 hybrids, backcrosses with M. leucocephala, or hybrids of unknown generation, implying weak premating isolation with the absence of intrinsic postzygotic isolation between parentals. Morphological analysis demonstrated that the absence or indistinctness of a black bar across the breast is the most noticeable trait to identify these hybrids. The endangered M. cinerea was found to have genomic contamination from M. leucocephala and vice versa, with at least 41 hybrid individuals being identified. These findings provide critical information for detecting hybrids and identifying suitable breeding stocks with genetic purity for future reintroduction and conservation management.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1038/s41598-023-35566-x
Uncontrolled keywords: Humans, Haplotypes, DNA, Mitochondrial - genetics, Genetic Introgression, Hybridization, Genetic, Microsatellite Repeats - genetics, Phenotype
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
SWORD Depositor: JISC Publications Router
Depositing User: JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited: 06 Jun 2023 13:19 UTC
Last Modified: 11 Jul 2023 15:28 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/101502 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Sankhom, Rangsinee.

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