Is Gene Pool the answer for Tiger Conservation

An informative article has appeared on "The Hindu" dated 6.6.2010,in their Magazine section(Sunday).

R N Mehrotra talks about the dwindling numbers of tigers in Ranthanbore.In the past Ranthanbore was well conmcected to other places like Kota,Karuli,Jaipur and Sariska.Because of this a large gene pool was available to the tigers for healthy reproduction.

Now that connectivity doesn't exist and inbreeding takes place.This results in weekened immune systems and prone to many diseases.The situation in our zoos are still pathetic as far as inbreeding is concerned.

Genetic diversity is crucial in order to avoid the well-knows hazards of inbreeding.

A self sustainng population of tigers in Ranthanbore is restricted to 20-25 females and about 18-20 males.This was only 5 in 1971.

Breeding among wild animals have always remained an enigma and while some species have survived population bottle-necks others havn't.Will the Tigers survive?

Breeding related indvduals causes inbreeding depression.This is a decrease in the fitness of the population.In small populations of randomly mating individuals,all individuals may suffer from inbreeding depression.

Outbreeding in species,on the other hand may lead to genetic pollution.

The dangers of inbreeding in a meta population(groups of the same species that have some contact with one another)of tigers have now put pressure on conservationists to make choices and facilitate breeding with other meta population.This may be benficial.

The tigers of Sunderbans and the tigers of Ranthanbore may look the same.But they have distinct variations.The Sunderban tigers are talor-made to survive in their semi-arid environs.

To what extent man should intervene in dwindling populations is debatable.But a guared regime to allow limited inter-breeding for genetic restoration is a must.

To read the article please click on the following link

http://www.hindu.com/mag/2010/06/06/...0650250500.htm

Regards

Interesting article. I agree due to isolated Reserves and no corridors to connect neighbouring forests, the inbreeding will increase. Authorities need to study and find out a suitable solution.

Where is this photograph taken? Is this captured by you. Thanks for sharing.

Modern conservation community is least interested in establishing connectivity between forests and hence we can expect very little on gene pool diversity.

TFS.