Genetic profiling and parentage assessment in a captive population of the Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug) using a species-specific microsatellite panel

The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is an endangered raptor, and captive breeding programs are crucial for its conservation. Accurate pedigree records and genetic management are essential to maintain genetic diversity in such populations. This study aimed to apply a validated species-specific microsatellite panel to establish a high-resolution genetic identity system and verify the parentage of individuals in the captive population of the ‘Altai Falcon’ nursery (Russian Federation). Genomic DNA was extracted from 82 feather samples. All individuals were genotyped using a multiplexed panel of ten microsatellite loci (SSR05, SSR11, SSR15, SSR45, SSR48, SSR53, SSR57, SSR63, SSR73, SSR82) developed specifically for F. cherrug by Hou et al. (2018), amplified in two multiplex sets. PCR products were electrophoresed on a Nanofor‑05 genetic analyzer using a CD‑450 size standard. Fragment analysis was performed with GeneMarker (peak detection threshold 100 RFU). Allele bins were defined using an in‑house reference genotype database and verified manually. Parentage assignment was performed using a combination of documented pedigree data and genetic analysis (Gimlet, zero mismatches). The microsatellite panel demonstrated high discriminatory power, with a combined probability of identity for unrelated individuals of 6.5 × 10⁻¹⁰. Quality control confirmed the absence of null alleles and contamination. Analysis revealed five cases of mismatched parentage with high statistical confidence (exclusion probability > 0.99), indicating errors in the studbook records. Furthermore, alternative parental pairs were identified for 12 individuals. The population was found to be largely in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for most loci, suggesting a stable genetic structure without significant inbreeding at these neutral markers. The applied microsatellite system is a robust and reliable tool for the genetic individualization and parentage verification of Saker Falcons. The results underscore the critical importance of genetic profiling in validating the records in captive breeding programs. The resulting genetic passports will serve as a foundational resource for the long-term genetic monitoring and management of this conservation-dependent population.

Hali tarjima qilinmagan