Article
Persistent Genomic Erosion in Whooping Cranes Despite Demographic Recovery.
Molecular ecology - 1 Dec 2025
Fontsere Claudia, Speak Samuel A, Caven Andrew J, Rodríguez Juan Antonio, Wang Xuejing, Pacheco Carolina, Cassatt-Johnstone Molly, Femerling Georgette, Maloney Brigid, Balacco Jennifer, Collins Joanna, Sims Ying, Abueg Linelle, Fedrigo Olivier, Jarvis Erich D, Hartup Barry K, Shapiro Beth, Gilbert M Thomas P, van Oosterhout Cock, Morales Hernán E
Abstract excerpt
Integrating in-situ (wild) and ex-situ (captive) conservation efforts can mitigate genetic diversity loss and help prevent extinction of endangered wild populations. The whooping crane (Grus americana) experienced severe population declines in the 18th century, culminating in a collapse to ~20 individuals by 1944. Legal protections and conservation actions have since increased the census population from a stock...
Read the complete abstract on PubMedTopics
- Animals
- Genetic Variation
- Conservation of Natural Resources
- Genetics, Population