Genetic diversity and conservation status of managed vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) populations in Argentina
- Anello, Melina
- Daverio, Maria Silvana
- Romero, Sandra Raquel
- Rigalt, Francisco
- Silbestro, Miriam Beatriz
- Arbeletche, Lidia Beatriz
- Di Rocco, Florencia
DOIAbstract
The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) was indiscriminately hunted for more than 400 years and, by the end of 1960s, it was seriously endangered. At that time, a captive breeding program was initiated in Argentina by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) with the aim of preserving the species. Nowadays, vicuñas are managed in captivity and in the wild to obtain their valuable fiber. The current genetic status of Argentinean vicuña populations is virtually unknown. Using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers, we assessed levels of genetic diversity of vicuña populations managed in the wild and compared it with a captive population from INTA. Furthermore, we examined levels of genetic structure and evidence for historical bott...
Add to ORKG