Nuclear DNA microsatellite analysis of genetic diversity in captive populations of Chinese water deer

The Chinese water deer (Hydropotes inermis inermis) is becoming rare as a result of poaching and habitat loss. In recent years, many captive populations of Chinese water deer have been established. However, little genetic information is available for management decision. In this study, we investigated the nuclear genetic diversity and population structure of two representative captive populations (different origin) with a Zhoushan archipelago wild population for control, using 7 microsatellite loci. There was a relatively high level of genetic diversity of Chinese water deer for the total samples, comparing to the other rare cervid species. The mean number of observed alleles per locus was 5.143. The average observed and expected heterozygosity values were 0.662 and 0.531, respectively. The diversity of Nanjing Hongshan Zoo populations (mainland originated) is higher than that of the other two (Zhoushan archipelago originated) populations. Furthermore, strong differentiation between them was detected. Finally, many management strategies were also put forward for the purpose of maintaining genetic diversity of the captive Chinese water deer populations. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.