Introduction of wild Chinese gorals into a captive population requires careful genetic breeding plan monitoring for successful long-term conservation

The Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) is a small goat-like animal, which is considered “vulnerable” due to its rapid decline in population in the wild. Captive breeding programs are necessary to prevent the extinction of Chinese gorals; however, reproduction in captivity reduces genetic diversity due to inbreeding. In 2020, a total of six wild Chinese gorals were introduced into a captive population of 73 individuals to improve the allelic gene pool. An assessment of captive gorals was conducted to trace and understand genetic diversity in the new captive state. Microsatellite genotyping and mitochondrial D-loop sequence analyses were performed to examine the genetic diversity and population structure. The results showed very low haplotype diversity, with a significant difference between He (0.477 ± 0.065) and Ho (0.196 ± 0.056), suggesting a high degree of inbreeding. This resulted in a limited ability to adapt to environmental change and low natural reproductive fitness, thus increasing the risk of population decline and eventual extinction. Management of captive breeding plans based on different subpopulations and haplotypes has been proposed to maximize genetic variability and enhance the success of future conservation plans