Genetic assignment of illegally trafficked neotropical primates and implications for reintroduction programs

Abstract

The black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) is a neotropical primate that faces the highest capture pressure for illegal trade in Argentina. We evaluate the applicability of genetic assignment tests based on microsatellite genotypic data to accurately assign individuals to their site of origin. The search was conducted on a genetic database to determine the nearest sampled population or to associate them to three clusters described here for the Argentinean populations of A. caraya. We correctly assign 73% of the individuals in the database to nearest population of origin, and 93.3% to their cluster of origin. With this database, we were able to determine the probable origin of 17 confiscated individuals, 12 of which were reintroduced in the province of Misiones and 5 confiscated individuals reintroduced in the province of Santa Fe. Moreover, we also determined the probable origin of 3 individuals found dead in cities in northern Argentina. This approach highlights the relevance of generating genotype indexing databases of species to assist with in-situ and exsitu conservation and management programs. Our results underscore the importance of knowing the origin of individuals for reintroduction and/or species recovery programs and to pinpoint the hotspots of illegal capture of various species.

Conservation implications of living in forest remnants: Inbreeding and genetic structure of the northernmost mantled howler monkeys

“…Moreover, genetic information can be further employed to identify hot spots of primate illegal trade; for example, genetic data enabled a highly confident assignment of the population of origin of confiscated individuals of A . caraya , as well as their later release into their native localities (Oklander et al, 2020). Efforts like these, jointly with legal protection and landscape management, need to be urgently and intensively applied throughout primate range, particularly in regions outside natural protected areas.…”

“…Indeed, positive communitybased conservation strategies have been implemented in some areas in Mexico, where local people actively participate in creating public awareness of the ecological importance of primates and their habitat (Franquesa-Soler et al, 2020;Serio-Silva et al, 2015). Moreover, genetic information can be further employed to identify hot spots of primate illegal trade; for example, genetic data enabled a highly confident assignment of the population of origin of confiscated individuals of A. caraya, as well as their later release into their native localities (Oklander et al, 2020). Efforts like these, jointly with legal protection and landscape management, need to be urgently and intensively applied throughout primate range, particularly in regions outside natural protected areas.…”

Studbook and molecular analyses for the endangered black-lion-tamarin; an integrative approach for assessing genetic diversity and driving management in captivity

“…Molecular analyses are essential for populations with unknown genetic diversity and can be relevant to monitoring genetic diversity across generations in conservation actions [50][51][52][53] . According to recommendations of the ISFG (International Society for Forensic Genetics) for the area of non-human DNA typing 34 , they have also potential to be used, by the community of forensic scientist, for investigations involving poaching, smuggling and illegal trade of protected species 32,54,55 DNA-based studies can still simulate, estimate and compare genetic diversity levels in breeding programs 56 . Genetic management of threatened species has experienced an increase in the last few years 6,29,57,58 , and more recently has been improved by a combination of pedigree and molecular information 59 .…”

Zoonotic Blood-Borne Pathogens in Non-Human Primates in the Neotropical Region: A Systematic Review

“…However, long-term studies on NHPs may help to mitigate the effect of hunting [ 365 ]. NHPs from captive settings are most of the time from unknown origin [ 366 ], which makes it more difficult to know the biohazard threat involved. Sometimes the quarantine period is not respected, and diagnostic tests are not performed (either because they do not have the budget or because they are not aware of them), increasing the risk of infections.…”