Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Push-pull Protocol to Reduce Colonization of Bird Nest Boxes by Honey Bees
Published on: September 4, 2016
May captive populations of Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) act as genetic reservoirs in Argentina?
V Alonso Roldán1, J L Navarro, C N Gardenal
1Centro de Zoología Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
Abstract:
The Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) is a characteristic bird of the Argentine Pampas. Despite the increasing farming interest of this ratite, their natural populations are progressively decreasing in size and range. The object of this study was to evaluate the status of captive populations as potential genetic reservoirs. Using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats as molecular markers, levels of genetic variability of F1 individuals from two captive populations were estimated and compared with those of wild populations in the same region. The captive populations were polymorphic for 12.22 and 13.33% of the loci, with a genetic diversity of 0.050. Differences with wild populations were not significant (z=1.79; P>0.05). Therefore, captive populations of rheas in Argentina should not be overlooked as genetic reservoir and source of individuals for reinforcement of natural populations, through reintroduction and translocation.
More Related Videos
07:40A Noninvasive Hair Sampling Technique to Obtain High Quality DNA from Elusive Small Mammals
Published on: March 13, 2011
10:00Methods of Pairing and Pair Maintenance of New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) Via Behavioral Ethogram, Monitoring, and Interventions
Published on: March 16, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Conservation of Small Populations
Conservation of Declining Populations
Gene Flow
Genetics of Speciation
Threats to Biodiversity
Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers