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Pink Pigeon's Genetic Secret: More Birds, Less Diversity?
17 Oct
Summary
- Wild pink pigeon numbers fell to about 10 birds by the early 1990s.
- Genetic diversity continued to decline despite population recovery.
- Inbreeding risks could lead to extinction within 100 years.
The pink pigeon, native to Mauritius, faced near extinction by the early 1990s, with wild numbers dwindling to approximately 10 individuals. Habitat loss and introduced species severely impacted the population. Conservationists initiated a captive breeding program in the late 1970s, using birds from the wild population to establish a sanctuary group.
Through managed breeding and releases, the wild population grew to around 400 birds by 2013, leading to its reclassification from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable. Despite this numerical success, genetic diversity has paradoxically continued to decrease. In small populations, inbreeding becomes more probable, potentially reducing the species' ability to adapt and increasing the prevalence of harmful genetic traits.
Researchers estimate the effective population size, representing genetically contributing individuals, is a fraction of the total number. Computer simulations suggest that unchecked inbreeding could lead to the accumulation of harmful mutations, posing a potential extinction risk within a century if not addressed.
Current conservation strategies now prioritize genetic management. Efforts include introducing birds with diverse genetic material from overseas captive populations to bolster the wild gene pool. This integrated approach aims to secure the pink pigeon's long-term survival by addressing both population numbers and genetic health.
