For the first time, the group of International Scientists from Denmark, Vietnam and other countries deciphered the full genome of Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinsensis) – the most rare -kopytnaya living in the forest of Vietnam and Laos. In the wild nature, less than 100 people are preserved. The study was published scientifically magazine Cell.
Because of its extreme rare, Saola is called “Asia Unicorn, but in fact the animal has two horns. This species was opened only in 1992 and the last approved case with the animal was recorded in 2013.
In the new project, scientists managed to bring back the genomes of 26 people, which made it possible to make an unexpected discovery: sales were divided into two genetically different populations 5000-20 thousand years ago.
Both Saola population has decreased from the end of the last ice age, and according to estimates, the total number has never exceeded 5,000 people in the last 10,000 years. However, researchers have found that genetic differences between groups could be an advantage for the protection of species.
“If you combine individuals from both populations in a captive program under captivity, this loss can recover the diversity of genetics,” he explained.
Modeling has shown that it is sufficient to find and reduce about 12 Saol to save species, but the task is extremely complex: animals live in the deaf forests of the Annamemen Mountains, where it is almost impossible to reach.
Scientists used new methods that could contain DNA analysis from water and even sala marks. Fully coding of the genome significantly increases the chances of detecting surviving individuals.
Previously, researchers Determined The main threats of rare flora and fauna species.
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Source: Gazeta
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