Keywords
Studbook
Single Population Analysis and Record Keeping System (Sparks)
PM2000
Genetic Analysis
Demographic Analysis.
How to Cite
Abstract
Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus is endemic to the Western Himalaya and is listed as Vulnerable (VU) C2a (i) in IUCN Red Data List (2011) and Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Given the exigency of ensuring its conservation, in situ conservation requires ex situ conservation efforts for its continued survival. However, for successful captive breeding of these birds, it is critical to maintain a genetically and demographically healthy population. In this context, pedigree records through development and maintenance of a studbook offer a viable option to undertake scientific management of captive stock. We discuss the genetic and demographic status of the Western Tragopan population in the only captive facility (Sarahan Pheasantry) for the bird. We used studbook data that was analysed using population management program PM2000. The demographic traits of the population indicated a growing, but unstable population. The genetic analysis reveals a genetically healthy population with inequitable founder representation. It is suggested that population size should be grown rapidly, with a focus on increasing the ‘effective’ population size and breeding all the founders, thereby augmenting the genetic variability.References
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