The year of the tiger and the year of tiger genomes!

Khan, A. (2023) The year of the tiger and the year of tiger genomes! Molecular Ecology Resources, 23(2), pp. 327-329. (doi: 10.1111/1755-0998.13726) (PMID:36307962)

Abstract

Tigers are endangered apex predators. They typify endangered species because they are elusive, rare, and face numerous threats across their range. Tigers also symbolise conservation. However, it is very difficult to study tigers because of their stated nature. Also, tiger conservation is a geopolitically sensitive topic, making it difficult to use the studies to propose evidence-based management that allows their recovery, especially in the context of conservation genetics. Zhang et al. (2022) have created very valuable and rare resources to aid the community in conserving tigers. First, they present chromosome level genome assemblies of a South China tiger and an Amur tiger. Second, they present whole genome sequences of 16 captive South China tigers. Additionally, by using the assemblies they model the demographic history of these populations, estimate inbreeding and the potential threats they face in captivity. This approach is particularly important because genetic management is now the only remaining option for South China tigers, because they are extinct in the wild. In other words, captive individuals are our only hope for some day restoring the wild populations of South China tigers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Khan, Dr Anubhab
• Authors: Khan, A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Molecular Ecology Resources
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1755-098X
• ISSN (Online): 1755-0998
• Published Online: 28 October 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Author
• First Published: First published in Molecular Ecology Resources 23(2): 327-329
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License