Genetic consequences of translocations in the Doñana population of the endangered Iberian lynx

Abstract: Conservation genetics for endangered species is crucial in long-term conservation actions.Inbreeding depression and genetic diversity are main genetic parameters with relevance toconservation. The Iberian lynx was by 2002 the most endangered felid in the world. Manyconservation programs have been carried out during the last 20 years, greatly improving theoutlook of the species. There is a paucity of information on the genetic consequences of thereintroduction program thus far. In the following research study, the most endangered Iberianlynx population, the Doñana population, is assessed to determine its actual genetic status andevaluate the genetic consequences of translocations initiated in 2007. This was achieved by thereconstruction of the pedigree of the wild population, and molecular analysis based on genotypedata with the use of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). The molecular parameterscalculated were inbreeding coefficients, ancestry and genetic diversity. Results show an increase ingenetic diversity and a decrease in inbreeding following translocations. Post translocationinbreeding was found and explained by ancestral classes the individuals belonged to. These resultslay foundation for the importance of the ongoing translocations within the population andemphasize the need in the coming years for the conservation efforts carried out so far.