Quainoo Dominic Kwesi, Chalermwong Piangjai, Muangsuk Pittayarat, Nguyen Ton Huu Duc, Panthum Thitipong, Singchat Worapong, Budi Trifan, Duengkae Prateep, Suksavate Warong, Chaiyes Aingorn, Sanannu Saowaphang, Tipkantha Wanlaya, Bangkaew Nuttapon, Sripiboon Supaphen, Muangmai Narongrit, Han Kyudong, Maneeorn Patarapol, Kaewparuehaschai Mutchamon, Leamsaard Gittiyaporn, Kanchanasaka Chananya, Srikulnath Kornsorn
Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand.
PLoS One. 2025 May 12;20(5):e0320480. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320480. eCollection 2025.
Asian elephant is a key umbrella species that plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. As an iconic symbol of Thailand, it also significantly contributes to the nation's tourism industry. However, human activities pose serious threats to their long-term survival and population health. To tackle these challenges and develop effective conservation strategies, extensive genetic reference data were collected to enhance both captive and wild elephant conservation, improve non-invasive DNA-based individual identification, and assess genetic diversity using 18 microsatellite markers. High genetic diversity was observed across all populations; however, high levels of inbreeding were evident in NEI, EKS, BCEP, and wild elephant populations, except for the MEP population, which recorded low inbreeding levels. Significant variation in the gene pool estimates was observed across different populations, with three maternal haplogroups (α, β1, and a tentative β3) identified. A reduced panel of six microsatellite markers proved highly efficient for individual identification. Additionally, non-invasive DNA samples were tested using 18 microsatellite loci for individual identification. Using only 7 out of the 18 microsatellite loci tested, individuals were successfully identified, demonstrating enough discriminatory power to distinguish between individuals. Among these, four loci (LaT08, LaT13, FH19, and FH67) were both effective and efficient for reliable individual identification in fecal samples. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing conservation efforts, including the design of tailored strategies to protect Asian elephants in Thailand and ensure the long-term viability of their populations.
亚洲象是一种关键的伞护种，在维持生物多样性和生态平衡方面发挥着至关重要的作用。作为泰国的标志性象征，它对该国的旅游业也做出了重大贡献。然而，人类活动对它们的长期生存和种群健康构成了严重威胁。为应对这些挑战并制定有效的保护策略，收集了大量的基因参考数据，以加强圈养和野生大象的保护，改进基于非侵入性DNA的个体识别，并使用18个微卫星标记评估遗传多样性。在所有种群中都观察到了高遗传多样性；然而，除了MEP种群记录的近亲繁殖水平较低外，NEI、EKS、BCEP和野生大象种群中明显存在高水平的近亲繁殖。在不同种群中观察到基因库估计值存在显著差异，确定了三个母系单倍群（α、β1和一个暂定的β3）。一组简化的六个微卫星标记被证明在个体识别方面非常高效。此外，使用18个微卫星位点对非侵入性DNA样本进行个体识别测试。仅使用测试的18个微卫星位点中的7个，就成功识别了个体，表明具有足够的鉴别力来区分个体。其中，四个位点（LaT08、LaT13、FH19和FH67）在粪便样本的可靠个体识别方面既有效又高效。这些发现为优化保护工作提供了有价值的见解，包括设计针对性策略来保护泰国的亚洲象并确保其种群的长期生存能力。
