Advances in Molecular Identification of Gender in Crested Ibis
The crested ibis(Nipponia nippon)is a globally endangered species and holds the status of being a national first-class key protected bird in China.Although a series of conservation measures have significantly increased the population size and distribution area of this species,its population growth has been restricted by inbreeding depression,low fecundity and high rate of nestling disability.It is difficult to distinguish the gender of crested ibis from its appearance because of ho-motype of male and female.Therefore,the gender identification in crested ibis holds great significance for captive breeding efforts.This paper reviews the current research progress in molecular methods for gender determination in crested ibis,fo-cusing primarily on PCR techniques based on the gender chromosome-linked chromodomain-helicase-DNA binding protein gene CHD and EcoR Ⅰ fragment,with an objective to facilitate effective captive breeding and contribute to the conservation and population recovery of the crested ibis.