American Bison Restoration as American Bison Restoration as a Model for the Propagation of a Model for the Propagation of African Wildlife Populations African Wildlife Populations 

James Derr

College of Veterinary Medicine

Texas A&M University

An Overview of Today’s Seminar

A short discussion of our 10 years of genetics research with American bison.– Objectives, results and important findings– Current and future research with American bison

Using these bison studies as a model for the conservation African wildlife species– Systematic collection of DNA and health/location/carcass

trait information from hunter killed animals in Africa– Developing high resolution genetic technologies, using

the bison model and with knowledge from recent genome sequencing projects, for selected African wildlife species

A Model for Conservation A Model for Conservation Genetics - American BisonGenetics - American Bison

The Bison Conservation Genetics Program at Texas A&M UniversityThe Bison Conservation Genetics Program at Texas A&M University

Collaborators:

Dr. Todd WardDr. Robert SchnabelDr. Natalie HalbertDr. Chris SeaburyDr. Joe TempletonDr. Don DavisDr. Loren SkowDr. Bhanu ChowdharyDr. Jim WomackDr. William GrantDr. Ron HeibertDr. Peter GoganDr. David HunterDanny SweptsonClaire Kolenda

Federal and private bison managers, owners and biologist

Funding Agencies:

Texas A&M University

Texas Agriculture Experiment Station

The Nature Conservancy

US Department of the Interior

- National Parks Service

- US Fish and Wildlife Service

Canadian Park Service

National Science Foundation

Texas Parks and Wildlife

Turner Foundation

Private bison owners

Bison as a Conservation Model for Bison as a Conservation Model for Genetic SurvivalGenetic Survival

For many, conservation biology is often considered a “crisis For many, conservation biology is often considered a “crisis discipline” because many of the species that are of interest discipline” because many of the species that are of interest are critically threatened in some way.are critically threatened in some way.

Clearly, the recovery of North American bison is one of the Clearly, the recovery of North American bison is one of the best documented success stories in conservation biology.best documented success stories in conservation biology.

About 10 years ago we started a NSF funded study of bison About 10 years ago we started a NSF funded study of bison conservation genetics. The objectives were to uncover why conservation genetics. The objectives were to uncover why the bison recovery was so successful and to develop models the bison recovery was so successful and to develop models for the conservation of other large mammals; specifically for the conservation of other large mammals; specifically large African wildlife species. large African wildlife species.

Just to quickly review American Bison historyJust to quickly review American Bison history

• Bison suffered a well documented population decline that between 1840 to 1905.

• Population numbers were reduced from millions to a few hundred animals distributed across North America.

• Although most of the blame for this tragedy falls on hunters , a number of other explanations are available.

• An analysis of the fossil record also suggest that bison may have gone through a number of historical bottlenecks.

However, modern bison appear to be relatively free of the inbreeding depression and other fitness related problems usually associated with severe population bottlenecks. Why?

The Bone(s) of Contention……The Bone(s) of Contention……

The Great RecoveryThe Great Recovery

Foundation Plains Bison Herds (1888 - 1905Foundation Plains Bison Herds (1888 - 1905))

James McKay / William Alloway Herd - CanadaJames McKay / William Alloway Herd - CanadaWalking Coyote (Pablo / Allard Herd) - MontanaWalking Coyote (Pablo / Allard Herd) - MontanaFrederick Dupree - South DakotaFrederick Dupree - South DakotaCharles (Buffalo) Jones - KansasCharles (Buffalo) Jones - KansasCharles Goodnight - TexasCharles Goodnight - Texas

(Some of these herds were used to produce a few hybrids between bison and beef cattle to (Some of these herds were used to produce a few hybrids between bison and beef cattle to “improve” disease resistance and possible energy conversion in beef cattle.)“improve” disease resistance and possible energy conversion in beef cattle.)

(The hybridization experiments worked…. improving beef cattle ideas did not.)(The hybridization experiments worked…. improving beef cattle ideas did not.)

In addition, a few “wild” animals (22 - 25) remained in In addition, a few “wild” animals (22 - 25) remained in Yellowstone National Park.Yellowstone National Park.

Goodnight (13)

McKay-Alloway(70)

Walking Coyote-Pablo-Allard(35)

Dupree-Philip(9)

Charles “Buffalo” Jones(57)

Bronx Zoo

YNP(30)

WMWR

Bison Populations: 1888 1907

*From Coder 1975, derived from Hornaday

Historic bison range:1600s – 1700s

Success of the “The Great Bison Recovery”

Plains bison numbered over 5000 by the middle 1930s and they were considered by the American Bison Society as “out of danger of extinction”Current NA bison census: ~500,000 animalsMost bison are in private herds– In some cases they are artificially selected for size,

growth rate, behavior, less hump, more rump, etc– Most screened private herd have cattle introgression

<20,000 bison maintained by US & Canadian governments– Different goals than private herds– Most likely an important source of non-hybridized bison

that can be maintained for future generations

Public Bison Populations Sampled for Genetic StudiesPublic Bison Populations Sampled for Genetic Studies

State & Private HerdsState & Private Herds

Antelope Island State Park, Antelope Island State Park, UTUTHenry Mountains, UTHenry Mountains, UTCuster State Park, SDCuster State Park, SDFinney Game Refuge, KSFinney Game Refuge, KSMaxwell Game Refuge, KSMaxwell Game Refuge, KSTexas State Bison Herd, TXTexas State Bison Herd, TXSanta Catalina Island, CASanta Catalina Island, CANature Conservancy herdsNature Conservancy herds

More than 100 private bison More than 100 private bison herdsherds

Federal HerdsFederal Herds

Wichita Mtns. NWRWichita Mtns. NWRFt. Niobrara NWRFt. Niobrara NWRNational Bison Range NWRNational Bison Range NWRNeal Smith NWRNeal Smith NWRSully’s Hill National PreserveSully’s Hill National PreserveBadlands NPBadlands NPTheodore Roosevelt NPTheodore Roosevelt NPWind Cave NPWind Cave NPGrand Teton NPGrand Teton NPYellowstone NPYellowstone NPWood Buffalo NP (Can.)Wood Buffalo NP (Can.)Elk island NP (Can.)Elk island NP (Can.)Mackenzie Sanctuary (Can.)Mackenzie Sanctuary (Can.)

To date, archived over 15,000 bison DNA samples

Deliverables from these genetic studies with bisonDeliverables from these genetic studies with bison (>20 scientific publications)

Technology from the cattle genome sequencing and gene mapping efforts:

– Compare levels of genetic diversity among populations • inbreeding depression, hidden population subdivision, disease

resistance genes

– Establish genetic relationships between populations• Confirm population histories, identify unique lineages

– Use as platform to investigate management strategies• Effect of culling, skewed sex ratios, small population sizes, herd

reduction

– Determine parentage in small and large populations• Multiple sire private herds, whole herd pedigree development

– Test for mitochondrial and nuclear bison-domestic cattle introgression bison herds.

• Most bison herds have evidence of domestic cattle hybridization

Why is this level of technology needed to help manage bison populations?

Unlike other smaller wildlife species, we must:

– Cull (selectively remove) animals from herds

– Manipulate sex ratios– Deal with disease issues– In some cases they are

economically important

This sounds a lot like many African plains game and big game wildlife species…

Diane Hargraves

Hybrids Happen…Hybrids Happen…

Some bison just look Some bison just look different?different?

So, why have bison recovered, with no or few apparent genetic consequences from this major population crash, when most other species, faced with this degree of insult, seem to suffer through long-term problems and/or became extinct?

There are multiple explanationsThere are multiple explanations:

Previous (historic) population declines and near extinction events Previous (historic) population declines and near extinction events have purged bison genomes of many deleterious alleles.have purged bison genomes of many deleterious alleles.

Following the bottleneck on the late 1800s, surviving bison were Following the bottleneck on the late 1800s, surviving bison were found in isolated populations that encompassed a high frequency of found in isolated populations that encompassed a high frequency of the overall (pre-bottleneck) genetic variation.the overall (pre-bottleneck) genetic variation.

Bison that survived the bottleneck retained genetic adaptability at Bison that survived the bottleneck retained genetic adaptability at important genes that influence fitness (the luck hypothesis).important genes that influence fitness (the luck hypothesis).

Surviving bison population encountered an influx of new genetic Surviving bison population encountered an influx of new genetic variation at the apex of this bottleneck (hybridization with domestic variation at the apex of this bottleneck (hybridization with domestic cattle).cattle).

These studies of American Bison are the most comprehensive genetics

investigations of any wildlife species

Now is the time to expand the use of genomics technologies African big

game wildlife species

Opportunities for using genetic technologies to insure healthy and robust African wildlife populations that thrive and provide sustain trophy hunting into the future

I am proposing two overall objectivesI am proposing two overall objectives::

– It is absolutely imperative to develop a systematic plan for collecting information from as many hunter killed wildlife species as possible. This should include high quality DNA samples, GPS location, disease / parasite status, age, sex, body conformation, etc. These effort should be internationally coordinated.

– Based on the tremendous opportunities through the genome sequencing projects of economically important and/or domesticated animals such as: cattle, house cats, horse and dogs, now is the time to develop novel and powerful genetic technologies for the conservation of related wildlife species.

Information and biological material from hunter killed big game species

Organized “in country” through safari outfitters, professional hunters, Organized “in country” through safari outfitters, professional hunters, conservation organizations and governmental wildlife agenciesconservation organizations and governmental wildlife agencies

– Information could include:• Specific details about that animal on a single necropsy / specimen

data sheet

– Biological materials should include:• For DNA archiving

– Whole blood sample on a Whatman FTA card– Hair follicle samples

Also, for genetically important animals, sterile tissue samples placed in media as a secondary source of DNA and possibly future nuclear transplantation

(as discussed yesterday by Dr. Paul Bartels from the National Zoological Gardens in South Africa)

NECROPSY - SPECIMEN DATA RECORD

Return to:________________________________________________________________________

Please complete all of the fields possible or applicable

Species/common name ____________________ Sex ______ Age ______ Date/time ___________Country _______________ State/Providence _________________ Nearest city ________________ Name of park/property ___________________________ Specimen field number ______________ GPS position ________________ Collector/Hunter name _________________________________ Collector/hunter email address ____ ___________________________________ Method _________ Pharmaceutical and dose _________________________________________ Digital photo(s) _____Professional hunter/outfitters name/contact information ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Samples Taken:Blood: FTA card ______ Other blood sampled ____________Tissue: Hair sample _____ Sterile tissue sample in media (skin) ______ (lung) ______ other _______________________Pregnant female ____ Abort ____Sex ____Collection of/from fetus _____Remarks _________________________________________________________________________

Measurements: Total length of body (tip of nose to tip of tail) _______________ Head length _______________Tail length ____________ Height at shoulder ___________ Teeth wear/condition ____________Horns/Tusk: length right _________ left _________ Rhino: front __________ back _________Spread-max ________ At t ip _________ Weight: live weight ________ field dressed ________Overall impression of body condition ________________________________________________ Kidney fat (none – s mall – large - excessive) Back fat (none – small – large - excessive)External parasites (Type & Site) ____________________________________________________Internal parasites (Type & Site) _____________________________________________________Additional Remarks/Concerns/Information _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Biological material collection – whole blood on FTA cards

FTA cards are a safe and fast mediafor saving DNA samples fromwhole blood.

FTA cards for whole blood

Must setup and allow to dry.

After they are dry they can be kept at room temperature for decades and will still provide excellent DNA.

Archiving hair follicles for DNA

However there are serious export/import issues with However there are serious export/import issues with any biological samples for scientific analyses….any biological samples for scientific analyses….

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection ServiceUS Fish & Wildlife ServiceUS Public Health ServiceUS Food and Drug AdministrationUS Customs ServicePossibly local and state health departmentsPotentially international agencies and organizationsAlso possible legal considerations with:

– The Lacey Act– Endangered Species Act– African Elephant Conservation Act– Rhinoceros and [Tiger] Conservation Act

Almost certainly in country agencies/organizations

All of these agencies and regulations can be dealt with but it is time consuming and in some cases expensive.

In the event that it is absolutely required to import DNA samples, these permits can and will be obtained.

However, one solution could be to use established collection facilities in Africa for genetic samples.

Develop molecular technologiestechnologies based on genome sequencing projects from closely related domestic species here in the US (Texas A&M University) using DNA samples from African species that are already here in private holdings or zoos.

Transfer the application of this technology to existing laboratories in Africa such a such as those at the Faculty of Veterinary Science Onderstepoort, SA, the National Zoological Gardens or the Hans Hoheisen laboratories in Kruger National Park

DNA collection and storage - Research - Analysis – Actionable results

Developing these advanced genetic technologies through research in the US and then transferring the resulting knowledge, reagents, capabilities to outside laboratories could help simplify many of the legal issues with samples and in power education and research infrastructure in Africa.

The Facilities at Kruger National Park: Hans Hoheisen offices, laboratories and holding pens

The African Wildlife Genome based research at Texas A&M University

My laboratory is includes modern molecular biology and DNA sequencing and genotyping core facility making it completely equipped to develop genomic technologies for any other wildlife species.

Initial Studies. Concentrating on two or three important African species, lions (Panthera leo), buffaloes (Syncerus caffe), and possibly white (Ceretotherium simum) and black rhinos (Diceros bivornis) we propose to develop the primary resources and methodology to allow for modern molecular genetic investigation for these and other related species.

Deliverables from these initial studiesDeliverables from these initial studiesThese genomic technologies will allow for much of the same types of investigations as reported earlier with American bison.

High resolution microsatellite markers, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on microarray technologies and mitochondrial DNA sequencing and haplotyping.

– Gene mapping studies for genetic traits of interest (body size, disease resistance, behavior, etc.)

– Population genetic parameters (inbreeding, genetic diversity, geographic differences, etc).

– Forensics technologies for species identification and DNA fingerprinting for individual animals.

– Genetic integrity studies and the identification of hybridization between species or subspecies.

– Identification of important individual animals for future nuclear transfer efforts in the event it is necessary to recover lost genetic diversity using cloning technologies.

– Help reestablish wildlife populations in regions where game have been completely exterminated (Wildlife as an Economic Engine).

Ambitious?Ambitious?

“Dream no little dreams for they have no magic to

move men’s souls”

Dr. Norman Borlaug

Winner of the 1970 Nobel Prize for Peace and fellow Texas A&M Professor

Funding for these effortsDallas Safari Club has provide initial funding to help get this effort startedThe SCI foundation has asked for a full proposal in MarchLooking to local chapters help inform their members and for supportOther wildlife conservation associationsUS and international funding agencies

AcknowledgementsCollege of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University

Dallas Safari Club– Dr. J. Lane Easter, Mr. Nigel Theisen, Mr. John

Lochow and Mr. Gray Thornton

The Safari Club International and the Safari Club International Foundation for the opportunity to give this presentation and for considering proposals to conduct this work.

Contact information

James Derr, ProfessorCollege of Veterinary MedicineTexas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX 77845

jderr@cvm.tamu.edu

This complete PowerPoint presentation is available at my faculty website http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/derr/