New genomic approaches for ex-situ conservation and management of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica)

The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is one of the most endangered large feline species on a global scale. Historically this subspecies was widespread over a wide geographic area, ranging from the Near East to the Indian subcontinent, but today the only population in the wild is confined around the Gir forest in the Indian state of Gujarat. Therefore, the Asiatic lion is ranked as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Ex-situ conservation plans have started to secure its survival and future. The main strategy adopted by the EAZA ex-situ conservation programme is to maintain a population of Asiatic lions in captivity, but currently, this approach is facing major reproductive issues. This project performed a population genomics analysis using whole genome sequencing (WGS), data obtained from 16 Asiatic lions from different European zoos. Moreover, these newly obtained sequences have been compared with other lion species (living and extinct) to determine genetic diversity. With these new sequences we were able to generate new genomic resources to contribute to the understanding of the evolutionary history of the lion species and produce a new tool useful for improving conservation efforts to protect the species in its full diversity.