Dalton, Desire

Grobler, J. Paul

Kotze, Antoinette

Labuschagne, Christiaan

Nupen, Lisa Jane

The African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) has suffered population declines and is listed in the IUCN Red Listas Endangered. The species is endemic to the coast of southern Africa, and breeding colonies are distributedon the south-western coast of Africa. Currently, African Penguins are being kept in zoo and aquarium facilitiesthroughout South Africa. In this study, molecular genetic data based on 12 microsatellite markers from 1 119African Penguin samples from four facilities were generated in order to determine the level of genetic variation,population structure and differentiation, and effective population size to assist in the development of an effectivecaptive management plan. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.57 to 0.62, and allelic richness from 4.2 to5.1. However, based on differences between first- and second-generation captive birds, we conclude that theex situ population is at risk of losing genetic variability in the future and management programmes should includeexchange of birds between captive facilities in order to induce gene flow and increase effective populationsize. Adding individuals from in situ populations should also be considered in the future in cases where thesebirds cannot be rehabilitated. Molecular genetic analyses of wild penguin populations should be carried out forcomparison, and to ascertain to what degree ‘in situ genetic diversity’ is represented among ex situ populations.With regular resampling and analyses, the extent of the effect of processes such as genetic drift on diversity in theex situ penguin populations will become evident

Genetic monitoring of ex-situ African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) populations in South Africa

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