Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon?
The Alpine ibex (<i>Capra ibex</i>) is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (<...
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MDPI AG
2022-03-01
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| Series: | Animals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/6/751 |
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| author | Barbara Moroni Alice Brambilla Luca Rossi Pier Giuseppe Meneguz Bruno Bassano Paolo Tizzani |
| author_facet | Barbara Moroni Alice Brambilla Luca Rossi Pier Giuseppe Meneguz Bruno Bassano Paolo Tizzani |
| author_sort | Barbara Moroni |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The Alpine ibex (<i>Capra ibex</i>) is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (<i>Capra hircus</i>). Hybridization has been documented in Switzerland in captive and free ranging animals, although accurate data to assess the extent of this phenomenon in natural conditions in the Alps are lacking. Using an online survey and a network of experts, we collected and mapped unpublished evidence of hybridization events that occurred between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats from 2000 to 2021. The results of this study showed that hybrids are distributed in most of the Alpine countries, and their presence is not a sporadic event, with some clusters including 4–20 probable hybrids. Our results illustrated the need for establishing a standardized and effective protocol to identify hybrids in the field (such as a formal description of the morphological traits characterizing hybrids), as well as clear guidelines for hybrid management. Even more importantly, this study also highlighted the need for actions aimed at avoiding hybridization, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T13:54:11Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-9081af4de29348169d6cbb09afd370f8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-2615 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T13:54:11Z |
| publishDate | 2022-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animals |
| spelling | doaj.art-9081af4de29348169d6cbb09afd370f82023-11-30T20:46:20ZengMDPI AGAnimals2076-26152022-03-0112675110.3390/ani12060751Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon?Barbara Moroni0Alice Brambilla1Luca Rossi2Pier Giuseppe Meneguz3Bruno Bassano4Paolo Tizzani5Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyAlpine Wildlife Research Centre, Gran Paradiso National Park, 10080 Noasca, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyAlpine Wildlife Research Centre, Gran Paradiso National Park, 10080 Noasca, ItalyDepartment of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, ItalyThe Alpine ibex (<i>Capra ibex</i>) is a mountain ungulate living in the European Alps. Although being currently classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, a potential threat for its long-term conservation is introgression following hybridization with domestic goats (<i>Capra hircus</i>). Hybridization has been documented in Switzerland in captive and free ranging animals, although accurate data to assess the extent of this phenomenon in natural conditions in the Alps are lacking. Using an online survey and a network of experts, we collected and mapped unpublished evidence of hybridization events that occurred between Alpine ibex and feral domestic goats from 2000 to 2021. The results of this study showed that hybrids are distributed in most of the Alpine countries, and their presence is not a sporadic event, with some clusters including 4–20 probable hybrids. Our results illustrated the need for establishing a standardized and effective protocol to identify hybrids in the field (such as a formal description of the morphological traits characterizing hybrids), as well as clear guidelines for hybrid management. Even more importantly, this study also highlighted the need for actions aimed at avoiding hybridization, such as the effective management of domestic herds grazing in Alpine ibex core areas.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/6/751<i>Capra ibex</i><i>Capra hircus</i>crossbreedingconservationlivestockcitizen science |
| spellingShingle | Barbara Moroni Alice Brambilla Luca Rossi Pier Giuseppe Meneguz Bruno Bassano Paolo Tizzani Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon? Animals <i>Capra ibex</i> <i>Capra hircus</i> crossbreeding conservation livestock citizen science |
| title | Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon? |
| title_full | Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon? |
| title_fullStr | Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon? |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon? |
| title_short | Hybridization between Alpine Ibex and Domestic Goat in the Alps: A Sporadic and Localized Phenomenon? |
| title_sort | hybridization between alpine ibex and domestic goat in the alps a sporadic and localized phenomenon |
| topic | <i>Capra ibex</i> <i>Capra hircus</i> crossbreeding conservation livestock citizen science |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/6/751 |
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