Matrilinear genetic structure and parentage of black lion tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysopygus (primates); a threatened species presenting cooperative reproduction system

• Grant number: 17/26379-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Patrícia Domingues de Freitas
• Grantee: Yngrid Karina Veltroni
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The isolation of remaining forest areas may favor the genetic isolation of populations that have previously maintained gene flow. This phenomenon directly affects the distribution of genetic variability, modifying the structure and social dynamics of groups and populations, which interferes with the process of maintenance and survival of species, and consequently the threat of extinction. Due to the isolation of their populations, individuals may seek alternative strategies of reproductive to ensure their survival. For some endangered species, such as the Black Lion Tamarin, Leontopithecus chrysopygus, most of the available data on behavior and social structure are based on studies of taxonomically related species. In this context, this work intends to analyze the matrilineal structure of wild L. chrysopygus social groups to access the levels of haplotype diversity and to infer if males are indeed the dispersing sex, which would reflect in distinct maternal lines within the same social group. In addition, microsatellite data will be used to assess the parentage level. On the other hand, the study of captive animals will allow to characterize the matrilineal structure in captivity and also to infer if males with mitochondrial origins distinct from females and/or with less degree of parentage are more likely to generate viable offspring. In both cases, the hypothesis of escape from inbreeding will be tested. For this purpose, Studbook data from captive populations and microsatellite data for both populations, which are being produced in a research project developed concomitantly to this, will be used. These data will be useful to understand behavioral and ecological aspects in L. chrysopygus, and to development an integrated management strategies of wild and captive populations, and, consequently, for conservation of this species. (AU)