Characterization of Genetic Diversity in Dhofari Wild Gazelles.

摘要: Wild gazelles are scattered in most arid and semi-arid areas in the Sultanate of Oman particularly in valleys, mountains and sandy zones of Rub'al Khali desert. Recently, however, gazelles' numbers have been declining in Oman mainly due to the loss of habitat. Consequently, a gradual loss of their genetic diversity is inevitable. However, little is known about the status of the genetic diversity of the Omani wild gazelles. This study aimed to determine the extent of inbreeding, population structure and genetic diversity in the Omani gazelles' populations in Dhofar region. Samples from four different locations namely Gara, Stom, Solot and Ayon were collected. DNA belonging to 74 gazelles' fecal samples was extracted using the human stool DNA extraction protocol. Following extraction, four microsatellite nuclear markers were used to calculate the levels of inbreeding, population differentiation and genetic diversity …