Genetic monitors of zoo populations: Morphological and electrophoretic assays

Zoo populations can be empirically studied and monitored genetically from three distinct and informative prospectives: (1) the careful collection of breeding and pedigree history; (2) biochemical genetic surveys of gene variation from electrophoretic data; and (3) the extent of variation in morphological characters. We present here a summary of the results and conclusions of biochemical genetic surveys performed to date in mammals and indicate those biochemical genetic loci most likely to be informative in management programs. The results of a number of studies of morphological variation (estimated by coefficients of variation or fluctuating asymmetry) as related to the genetic status of biological populations are reviewed. The applications of such measurements to the characterization of the South African cheetah are reviewed briefly with attention to captive vertebrate species. Specific recommendations for the evaluation of captive populations and for the monitoring of breeding programs by using biochemical and morphological characters are proposed.