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

Breeding strategies based on molecular markers have been adopted by ex-situ conservation programs to assess alternative parameters for the genetic diversity estimates. In this work we evaluated molecular and studbook data for captive populations of black-lion-tamarin (BLT), an endangered primate endemic to Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Pedigree analyses were performed using BLT studbook information collected from 1973 to 2018. We analyzed the whole captive population since its foundation; the current captive population (CCP); and all extant BLTs in the Brazilian captive population (BCP), separately. Microsatellite analyses were implemented on the BCP individuals from the eighth generation (BCP-F8) only to avoid generation overlap. The expected heterozygosity for BCP-F8, using molecular, data was 0.45, and the initial expected heterozygosity was 0.69. Kinship parameters showed high genetic relationships in both pedigree and molecular analyses. The genealogy-based endogamy evidenced a high inbreeding coefficient, while the molecular analyses suggested a non-inbreeding signature. The Mate Suitability Index showed detrimental values for the majority of potential pairs in the CCP. Nevertheless, some individuals evidenced high individual heterozygosity and allele representation, demonstrating good potential to be used as breeders. Thus, we propose the use of molecular data as a complementary parameter to evaluate mating-pairs and to aid management decision-making.