|
Wild Bactrian camel proved to be genetically distinct
July 8, 2009
The Wild Camel Protection Foundation www.wildcamels.com is pleased to announce that it has received conclusive proof of the genetic distinctiveness of the wild Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus) Following extensive tests on wild Bactrian camel flesh, hair and faeces sent by WCPF from China and Mongolia Katya Silbermayr of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine (www.vu-wien/ac/at) Vienna, Austria has issued the statement below:
"the phylogenetic analysis clearly reveals that the wild Bactrian camel population differs genetically from the domestic Bactrian camel population. The knowledge of the genetic distinctiveness of the wild Bactrian camel sets the foundation of effective breeding programs and therefore provides crucial information towards the conservation of this critically endangered species."
The findings have been truly remarkable. Each skin sample has shown two or three genetic differences to the domestic Bactrian camel and a 3% base difference.
WCPF has already been instrumental in persuading the Chinese Government to establish the Lop Nur Wild Camel National Nature Reserve (155,000 sq kilometres) in Xinjiang and acts as the sole international consultant to this key reserve. As wild Bactrian camels are a migratory species WCPF is working tirelessly to forge links and encourage dialogue between Chinese and Mongolian scientists.
The wild Bactrian camel is on the very edge of extinction and is listed as the eight most endangered species in the world.
In Mongolia WCPF has established a Mongolian WCPF NGO and has inaugurated a captive breeding programme at Zakhyn-Us that has already excited considerable interest amongst geneticists and those working in the field of Critically Endangered species. Outside of Mongolia and China there are no wild Bactrian camels in captivity. Since 2004 the number of camels in the programme has risen from 12 to 21. This breeding centre is the only one of its kind in the world and its important work is now vital in helping preserve the distinct genetic make-up of the wild Bactrian camel. WCPF is currently working in conjunction with the Zoological Society of London and the Mongolian Ministry of Nature and the Environment to investigate the possibility of releasing a small herd of wild Bactrian camels into an area of Mongolia where this species were present a century ago.
With fewer than a thousand wild Bactrian camels left in the world there is growing international recognition of the importance of the captive breeding programme.
A female and infant wild Bactrian camel photographed by John Hare, Founder of WCPF
The exciting news of the distinctive genetic nature of this species means that the work of The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is now more important than ever.
Press Release issued on 3rd October 2008
The Wild Camel Protection Foundation
www.wildcamels.com
For further information about WCPF, please contact Mark Jones (Communication & Fundraising Co-ordinator) on 07989362286 or via harecamel@aol.com
John Hare, the Founder of WCPF can be contacted at School Farm, Benenden, Kent TN17 4EU. Tel 01580 241132 or via harecamel@aol.com
The Wild Camel Protection Foundation is a featured non-profit on Investorideas.com
Investorideas.com Mission Statement
Investorideas.com creates a meeting place for investing ideas to take form and come to life in an entrepreneurial environment, servicing the needs of small investors and start- up companies to large conglomerates! We cover multiple industry sectors but specialize in environmental and water.
Investorideas.com Vision Statement
To be known as a global destination to investors of all levels, as a base to facilitate and direct ideas, networking and investment, resulting in global change for good. To become a global leader in green and water investing.
News at the Investor Ideas Newswire: http://www.investorideas.com/RSS/feeds/IIMAIN.xml
Sign up for free newsletter, stock and sector news alerts at Investorideas.com
click here: http://www.investorideas.com/Resources/Newsletter.asp
Disclaimer: The following news is paid for and /or published as information only for our readers. Investorideas.com is a third party publisher of news and research .Our sites do not make recommendations, but offer information portals to research news, articles, stock lists and recent research. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. This site is currently compensated by featured companies, news submissions and online advertising.
|
