International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 154-165 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 160 observed in felid populations, such as those of tigers, lions, and leopards, highlight their vulnerability to diseases and the importance of maintaining genetic health for conservation purposes (Leaniz et al., 2007). Figure 3 HCRs inFelidae, Hominidae, andBovidae (Adapted from Kim et al., 2016) Image caption: HCRs in the same family species were identified by calculating the ratios between numbers of conserved and non-conserved positions, a Venn diagrams of genes in the HCRs. b Heatmap of enriched gene ontology (GO) categories or KEGG pathways in the HCRs. Z-scores for the average fractions of homozygous positions are shown as a white-to-red color scale (Adapted from Kim et al., 2016) 6.3 Behavioral traits and genetics Behavioral traits in felids are closely linked to their genetic makeup. For instance, genes associated with muscle strength and agility are crucial for hunting and meat consumption, which are key behavioral traits in carnivorous felids (Wu et al., 2022). These genetic traits not only influence their hunting efficiency but also their ability to adapt to different prey and hunting strategies. Additionally, the genetic evidence of low genetic diversity in felids suggests that their strict dietary requirements may limit their behavioral flexibility, making them more susceptible to environmental changes and human activities. In summary, the genomic traits of felids reflect their adaptations to various habitats, disease resistance mechanisms, and behavioral characteristics. These adaptations are crucial for their survival and highlight the importance of genetic diversity and conservation efforts to protect these species. 7 Threats to Felid Genomic Diversity 7.1 Habitat fragmentation and loss Habitat fragmentation and loss are significant threats to the genomic diversity of felids. Fragmented landscapes can lead to isolated populations, reducing gene flow and increasing the risk of inbreeding. For instance, a study on jaguars, pumas, and ocelots in Belize demonstrated that habitat fragmentation has led to moderate levels of genetic differentiation among these species, with jaguars showing the lowest degree of genetic subdivision1. Similarly, research on jungle cats in central India revealed that roads and human-dominated land-use negatively impact their movement, further fragmenting their habitats and reducing genetic connectivity (Tyagi et al., 2022). The importance of maintaining corridors and stepping stone habitat patches to facilitate movement and gene flow among fragmented populations is emphasized in conservation strategies (Ashrafzadeh et al., 2020). 7.2 Human-wildlife conflict Human-wildlife conflict is another critical threat to felid genomic diversity. This conflict often results in direct killings, habitat destruction, and reduced prey availability, all of which can lead to population declines and genetic bottlenecks. For example, cheetahs are severely affected by human-wildlife conflict, with only approximately 7,100 individuals remaining in the wild. This has led to high inbreeding levels, particularly in the Critically Endangered Iranian and North-western subspecies, which exhibit the lowest genome-wide heterozygosity among
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==