Download Genetic Research - AGNR - University of Maryland

Research, Veterinary, Field
Conservation & Education
Directions for the Chengdu
Research Base of Giant Panda
Breeding
January 2009
Areas of Need - Overview




Research
•
•
•
•
Nutrition
Genetics
Reproduction
Veterinary Medicine
•
•
•
•
Habitat Assessment
Population Assessment
Global Climate Change
Reintroduction
Veterinary Medicine Capacity Building
Field Conservation
Conservation Education and
Community Support
• Evaluation
• Field conservation education assessment,
development, evaluation
• Community Support Programs
Nutrition Research
Bamboo supply for captive giant pandas




Bamboo is integral to giant
panda nutritional needs.
Different, even the same
institution, provides different
bamboo to giant pandas at
different times of the year.
This is not dependent on giant
panda nutritional needs, but
on transportation and harvest
possibilities.
Nutrients are different
between different bamboo
species.
Research on bamboo supply for giant
pandas


Question: What bamboo
supply is sufficient?
Whether different
bamboo supplies will
effect animal health.
Objective: To determine
the sufficient bamboo
supply to meet the
nutritional needs of giant
pandas
Genetic Research - Key Issues

Captive population:
• Parent Assignment
• Gene Retention Survey

Wild population:
• Genetic Diversity
• (A, He, FI, Fst---Ne, m, Dst)
(From Jonathan Ballou, et.al.,1996)
Genetics Research

Ex-situ Conservation — Captive
Breeding
•
•
•
•
The captive population growing fast
Unequal founder contribution
Increasing mean kinship
Uncertain offspring-parent relationship
Microsatellite Research
Advancement






Data Set
14 microsatellite markers
have been selected
CD05,CD06,CD22,CD29,CD4
0,CD45 (Shen et.al,2005)
Gp01,Gp03,Gp08,Gp901
(Zhang et.al.,1995)
Ame10, Ame15,
Ame21,Ame25 (Lu et.al.,2001)
149 DNA
Future Work





大熊猫微卫星标记定位－FISH
The locations of microsatellite markers on
chromosomes---FISH (fluorescence in situ
hybridization)
迄今为止，我们对大熊猫微卫星标记在染色体上的位置尚
不清楚。微卫星标记之间相互独立是种群遗传分析的必要
条件，这对于正确估计种群参数具有重要意义。
However, we do not have a clear understanding
of the locations of microsatellite markers on
chromosomes but, the independent distributions
of these markers are very important to estimate
population parameters in genetic analysis.
We would like assistance determining the
locations of these markers on chromosomes.
Future Work





大熊猫SNP标记的选择
Screen SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)
markers
SNP标记在种群遗传分析中更为有效。大熊猫基因组测序
计划完成以后，我们就有机会筛选出适宜的SNP标记。并
且在不久的将来，把这些标记用于大熊猫的个体识别和保
护遗传学研究。
SNP markers are more effective markers in
population genetics. The successful genome
sequencing of the giant panda encouraged us to
screen SNP markers as tools for future individual
identification and conservation genetics studies.
We need to design SNP primers for pandas based
on computer simulations. Furthermore, we need
to test these primers, and screen good markers
for use for population analysis in the future.
Research on genetics of ex situ giant
pandas

Gene retention in the ex situ giant panda
population for improved breeding management
and health
In-situ Conservation


Genetic
diversity
Gene flow
Genetic analysis of in situ giant panda
populations


Qinling Mountains &
North Minshan
populations
Population size,
structure and genetic
diversity
Giant Panda Reproduction



Development of
means to detect LH
(Luteinizing Hormone)
from urine samples.
Development of
means to identify
pregnancy and
pseudopregnancy
Study timing and
causes of early
embryonic death
Giant panda reproductive behavior

Compared with earlyweaned cubs, whether
through an adopted
mother rearing a number
of cubs, can this help
cubs develop more
normal reproductive
behavior?
• For improved natural
breeding in males
• Natural breeding and
maternal care in
females
Giant Panda Veterinary Research


For disease prevention
To provide data to
support management
adjustments
Veterinary Medicine Capacity Building



Preventative medicine
Geriatric medicine
Training on performing
thorough physical
examinations
• Working through a case
diagnostically using SOAP:
subjective, objective,
assessment, plan – using
the information for
treatment, understanding
that context may make
treatment different in
each case
Veterinary Medicine Capacity Building




Interpreting blood work
Radiographs/ultrasound how to read and
incorporate results into a
SOAP
Parasite monitoring
Basic principles in
anaesthesiology,
pharmacology, surgery,
nursing care, the role
(and causes of) stress in
animals
Veterinary Medicine Capacity Building


Basic principles of
wound
management
Pain and stress
management of
patients
Veterinary Needs – Stress Management


Physiologic and
behavioral
manifestations of
stress
Effects of stress on
health
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Perhaps in conjunction with UMD and
Sichuan Agricultural University
UNIVERSITY OF
MARYLAND
DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND AVIAN SCIENCES
Field Conservation
• Habitat Assessment
• Population
Assessment
• Global Climate
Change
• Reintroduction
Giant Panda and Habitat Assessment Post
Earthquake

Systematic and
habitat-wide
assessment of giant
panda population
and habitat postearthquake.
May 12, 2008, Sichuan Province
May 12, 2008



49 of 63 reserves
affected by the
earthquake (22
severely)
~53% of panda habitat
and 67% of the wild
panda population in
affected area (Wang, et.
al., 2008)
To date, we do not
know the extent of
habitat damage or loss
of wild pandas.
Post earthquake needs




Systematic and habitatwide assessment of wildlife
(giant panda) populations
and habitat postearthquake
Rebuilding of nature
reserve infrastructure
Training for reserve staff
Ecological restoration
/corridors - will need a
great deal of technical
support because no
training
Eco-friendly livelihoods for local people
Needs


Increased efforts to stabilize the captive
population - the importance of this population
most likely even more critical now.
Media and educational attention to this crisis
and efforts
Effects of global climate change on
flora & fauna of Sichuan Province

Changes in habitat
ecology, food
resources, animal
behavior, animal
health, emerging
diseases,
interspecies
dynamics …
Projects related to giant panda
reintroduction
Evaluation of potential
reintroduction sites

•
Genetic relationships among
wild giant pandas in a
potential reintroduction area
•
Ecology & zoology of
potential reintroduction
areas including sympatric
wildlife species, food
resources and potential nest
areas for giant pandas
Reintroduction program

Wild giant pandas in
a potential
reintroduction area
•
Demographics,
social dynamics,
community
structure,
population trends,
habitat
preferences
Reintroduction program

Behavioral and
social
conditioning of
release
candidates
Reintroduction program

Disease epidemiology in the potential
reintroduction site
Reintroduction program

Prevention of
disease transmission
among introduced
pandas, wild species
and domestic
animals
Reintroduction

Training on wildlife
tracking
Reintroduction program

Education and community support
for local people around reintroduction
site to garner support and protection
Introduction to Dujiangyan Research Site
Goals of Dujiangyan Site





Reproduction and
Population Security Base
for Giant Pandas
Research Base for Giant
Panda Reintroduction
Rescue and Resettlement
Base for Giant Pandas
after Earthquake
International
Conservation Education
Demonstration Base
Example of Rebuilding
and City-Countryside
development of Chengdu
Current Holding Capabilities




Dujiangyan 25 giant
pandas in the future.
53 adults at Chengdu
Panda Base, old-24,
new-29. (~75 is
reasonable)
But now, 83
individuals. Will be
difficult to
accommodate all
individuals when cubs
grow up
Wolong?
Conservation Education


Education is the basis
of two of the three
main goals of the
Panda Base
We would like to
measure educational
success of current
programs for impact
on biodiversity
preservation.
Educational Tourism

Educational
tourism for visitors
to the museum,
satellite museums,
and exhibits
Conservation Education Programs &
Materials
Educational Outreach

Giant panda education & resource
website
Social Science Research, Education,
and Community Assistance Programs


Social science research coupled
with the creation of effective
conservation education
interventions and community
assistance programs to aid in
wildlife conservation and
reintroduction in Sichuan.
Partnership with WWF-China &
the North England Zoological
Society

Community Assistance Programs

Need evaluation assistance
South China Tiger
Zhang Wenping, PhD
Thank you!