Meeting Abstract
45.3 Wednesday, Jan. 5 Investigation of inbreeding in captive versus wild populations of the Hawaiian tree snail Achatinella mustelina PASCUA, M.T.*; SISCHO, D. R.; HOLLAND, B. S.; HADFIELD, M. G.; University of Hawaii – Manoa; University of Hawaii – Manoa; University of Hawaii – Manoa; University of Hawaii – Manoa mapascua@hawaii.edu
We are evaluating the possible negative role of inbreeding in the captive propagation effort for the endangered Hawaiian tree snail Achatinella mustelina. Small numbers of individuals have been brought to the lab from XX separate populations in the field and maintained separately in environmental chambers. Allele frequency data from six microsatellite loci were collected from preserved snails resulting from mortalities over time in two laboratory populations, one started in 1995 and the other in 2001. These data were compared to similar data from an intact wild population. To compare genetic diversity and inbreeding over time, each lab population was split into two groups: a Parental and an F1 based on generational proximity. The Parental and F1 generations in both laboratory populations show higher levels of inbreeding (Fis) and lower levels of heterozygosity (Ho) and allelic richness than the wild population. These preliminary data indicate that high levels of inbreeding and low genetic diversity may be contributing to laboratory declines in populations of Achatinella. Research on genetic diversity and inbreeding over time continues with 10 other lab populations of A. mustelina . If the data supports a relationship between the inbreeding coefficient and mortality over time, conservation management may set a course to minimize inbreeding.
