Low genetic diversity of MHC
genes in Malayan tapir
Malayan tapir comes from family Tapiridae and presently
facing high risk of extinction due to multiple factors including
habitat loss and human disturbance. Currently, it is listed as
Endangered on the IUCN Red List, which calls for more serious
conservation efforts for this mammal. This preliminary study has
investigated the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes which
responsible for pathogen detection and adaptive immune system in
vertebrate. Only five exon 2 and four exon 3 of class I MHC gene
sequences, alongside two DRA, three DRB, two DQA and three DQB
sequences of class II MHC were detected in Malayan tapirs indicate a
low diversity of MHC genes. The low population numbers increase
concerns for inbreeding events and therefore might result in
compromised genetic variation, particularly at the regions responsible
for immune response i.e., MHC
gene. Thus, we should manage Malayan tapir populations should be
managed both in captivity and in the wild to have a high variable MHC
through artificial mate selection and translocation or reintroduction
of dissimilar MHC to ensure the sustainability of population in the
wild.

Read the full article, published by Zoological
Studies, here
Follow Zoological Studies on
Twitter @ZooStudies
and Facebook