IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Tetzloff, J.; Tupa, L.; Lynch, C. | |
| Population analysis & breeding and transfer plan. Snow leopard (_Uncia uncia_) AZA Species Survival Plan Yellow Program | |
| 2015 Full Book | |
The Felid Taxon Advisory Group has designated this population for SSP level management and set a target population size for this species of 150 specimens (2009 Felid TAG RCP). The population currently qualifies for management as a Yellow SSP. The population size at time of analysis is 153 specimens at 69 institutions. In addition to AZA facilities, some CAZA facilities (previously WCMC approved non-member participants) and other non-AZA members (for a total of 9 non-member participants) are included in the SSP. Current gene diversity for the managed population is 94% and is equivalent to the genetic diversity that would be present in approximately 9 founders (fge = 9.46). Most AZA managed populations have set a genetic goal of maintaining 90% gene diversity for 100 years. When gene diversity falls below 90%, it is expected that reproduction will be increasingly compromised by, among other factors, lower birth weights, smaller litter sizes, and greater neonatal mortality. Under the current population parameters, gene diversity can be maintained at or above 90% gene diversity for 34 years. As with most SSP populations, pairings are prioritized to maintain or increase gene diversity through considerations of mean kinship, avoidance of inbreeding, differences in sire and dam mean kinships, and the degree of uncertainty within a pedigree. Specifically, individuals with low mean kinship values were prioritized and pairings with inbreeding levels higher than the current average mean kinship have been avoided. Due to the age and low likelihood of success of many genetically valuable individuals, some pairs have been recommended for breeding not to meet genetic goals but to meet the demographic goal of maintaining or growing the population size. The number of pairs recommended is intended to create and maintain a population size of >150 individuals. Summary Actions: The SSP will recommend 46 breeding pairs, 22 transfers for this period. Recommendations contained in this master plan supersede those made by earlier plans. Five imports from EAZA are planned. |
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