A New Tool for Conservation Genetics: Seal Placentas

When species become rarer, there is a small population of species that can pass their genes and many will start to inbreed. Inbreeding can cause a lack of genetic diversity, which can lead to birth defect and other negative effects. Inbreeding can cause an endangered species to be more endangered as time passes. The genetic makeup of endangered species are tested regularly by conservationists to understand the threats and at times help them breed. However, collecting DNA samples from an animal can be risky and harmful to the animal and the person collecting the DNA or there may not be enough of a sample to analyze the DNA fully.

Researchers from Finland found that placentas can be used to provide the maximum information of an animal when collecting DNA samples. The researchers studied the placentas of Saimaa ringed seals, where only about 300 of the seals remain in Finland. The researchers collected 59 placentas between 2009 and 2011 from the birthing dens of seals. Placenta testing revealed information about the pups’ genotype and exhibited low genetic diversity. The test could not reveal the genes of the mother and which pups were siblings. The study shown that placentas can be used in genetic monitoring.

This study can help save endangered species, which do not eat their placenta, by identifying any diseases it can have from a low breeding population. Also, the study can help conservationists decide if they need to introduce a species into the population to increase the gene pool and which species to use.

Original Link: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/2015/04/17/genetics-seal-placentas/

Related Linked: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/pinnipeds/saimaaseal.htm