Researchers propose new population to curb Bornean elephant inbreeding
KOTA KINABALU: The Bornean elephant population could potentially be introduced to another population to reduce the negative effects of inbreeding, researchers have suggested.
KOTA KINABALU — Researchers have proposed introducing a new population of Bornean elephants to combat the negative impacts of inbreeding, according to a joint statement. This approach would introduce fresh genetic material, potentially enhancing the elephants' resilience. However, experts caution that such an intervention demands careful consideration to avoid the loss of local adaptations to the environment.
The study, published in the scientific journal Genome Biology and Evolution, analyzed the complete genomes of 81 Asian elephants from all four identified subspecies and found that Bornean elephants exhibit the highest degree of inbreeding, with roughly 65% of their DNA inherited identically from both parents. Inbreeding is more prevalent in small, isolated populations and tends to intensify over generations, which can heighten the prevalence of detrimental inherited traits.
These factors collectively contribute to reduced fertility and increased vulnerability to extinction due to declining genetic diversity, making populations more susceptible to new diseases and climate change.
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