International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 154-165 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 161 big cats (Prost et al., 2022). The impact of human activities on felid populations underscores the need for effective conflict mitigation strategies to preserve their genetic diversity. 7.3 Climate change impacts Climate change poses a significant threat to felid genomic diversity by altering habitats and affecting prey availability. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to habitat shifts, forcing felids to move to new areas where they may face increased competition and reduced genetic diversity. A study on the genetic diversity of felids across different continents found that species in tropical regions, which are more vulnerable to climate change, have higher heterozygosity and allelic richness compared to those in non-tropical regions (Prost et al., 2022). This suggests that climate change could disproportionately impact felids in tropical areas, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. Additionally, the decline in prey species due to climate change can further threaten felid populations, as seen in the historical context of large-felid extinctions linked to prey loss (Sandom et al., 2018). In conclusion, habitat fragmentation and loss, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change are significant threats to the genomic diversity of felids. Addressing these threats through habitat conservation, conflict mitigation, and climate adaptation strategies is crucial for preserving the genetic diversity and long-term survival of these species. 8 Conservation Strategies Informed by Genomics 8.1 Breeding programs and genetic management Genomic insights have significantly advanced our understanding of the genetic diversity and reproductive biology of felids, which is crucial for effective breeding programs and genetic management. Studies have shown that felids exhibit low levels of genetic diversity due to their strict dietary specializations and reduced population sizes, making them vulnerable to inbreeding and genetic drift (Ashrafzadeh et al., 2020). Conservation breeding programs must therefore prioritize maintaining and enhancing genetic diversity. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer, have been developed to overcome challenges in natural breeding and mitigate inbreeding. However, the success of these technologies is often limited by inconsistent responses to ovarian stimulation and variable quality of gametes and embryos, highlighting the need for further research and improvement in ARTs (Thongphakdee et al., 2020). 8.2 Habitat restoration and connectivity Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to felid populations, necessitating strategies to restore and maintain habitat connectivity. Genomic studies have revealed the impact of landscape features on gene flow and genetic diversity among felid populations. For instance, roads and human-dominated land use negatively impact the movement of jungle cats, emphasizing the need for landscape-level management plans that consider multiple carnivore species. Additionally, maintaining corridors and stepping stone habitat patches along corridors is essential to facilitate the movement of individuals between fragmented habitats. Genetic monitoring of wild felids in fragmented landscapes has shown that while genetic diversity and gene flow are still relatively high, continued habitat loss and fragmentation could lead to decreased genetic connectivity (Knaus et al., 2011). Therefore, habitat restoration efforts should focus on creating and preserving corridors that enhance connectivity and support genetic exchange among populations. 8.3 Policy implications and recommendations The integration of genomic data into conservation policies can provide more accurate and effective strategies for the preservation of felid species. Genomic analyses have identified priority species and populations that are particularly vulnerable to genetic diversity loss, such as the Asiatic lions and certain populations of fishers. These findings underscore the importance of targeted conservation efforts for these high-risk groups. Additionally, the use of whole-genome data rather than traditional genetic markers, such as the mitochondrial D-loop, can provide more reliable information for conservation decision-making (Wultsch et al., 2016). Policymakers should incorporate genomic data into wildlife management plans to ensure that conservation actions are based on the most accurate and comprehensive genetic information available. This approach will help to identify and protect critical habitats, enhance genetic diversity, and ultimately improve the long-term viability of felid populations. By leveraging genomic insights, conservation strategies can be more precisely tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by felid species, thereby enhancing their chances of survival in the wild (Allendorf F., 2017).
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