DNA VARIABILITY AND PARENTAGE TESTING IN CAPTIVE WALDRAPP IBISES

The Waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita) is one of the most endangered b irds in the wild. The only real hope for its survival seems to rest wi th captive propagation, which has fortunately proved straightforward. Preservation of genetic diversity for maintaining viable populations i s a major goal in any species conservation programme. Therefore sensit ive tools have to be developed for the detection and regular monitorin g of population variability. Individual identity has to be verified an d each individual's pedigree defined in order to enable effective sele ctive breeding, In this study, extensive DNA fingerprinting technology was applied to a group of 39 captive Waldrapp ibises. Five minisatell ite probes were used. Despite the fact that the colony was founded by only six birds and that some of the founders were apparently related, highly polymorphic banding patterns were obtained. The human- and pig- derived probes MS1, MS31, p lambda g3 and pCMS12 each detected multipl e distinct loci suitable for individual identification and resolution of parentage. Probe MS51 was locus-specific and revealed six different alleles. In addition, MS31 and p lambda g3 co-detected a band present in all females but none of the males and thus could be used for sex d etermination. For all but four individuals both parents could be ident ified unambiguously. The exceptions were offspring derived from a full sib mating in which DNA results allowed no distinction between the pa rents and the grandparents. Comparison of the parentage assigned by DN A analysis and by observation of breeding behaviour, respectively, sho wed agreement in al but five instances. Here, DNA data uncovered inter change of individuals in the stud book. Application of these minisatel lite probes therefore offers an extremely sensitive means for individu al identification and verification and completion of pedigree records.