Why small numbers of surviving tigers a cause worry from the point view genetics?

Small numbers of surviving tigers are a cause for worry from the point of view of genetics due to the phenomenon known as genetic drift. Genetic drift refers to the random fluctuation of allele frequencies in a population over time. In small populations, genetic drift can have a more pronounced effect, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

Here's why genetic drift is a concern for small tiger populations:

1. Loss of Genetic Variation: Small tiger populations are more susceptible to losing genetic variation due to random fluctuations. This loss of variation reduces the population's ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, making them more vulnerable to threats like diseases or habitat changes.

2. Inbreeding: In small populations, the chances of individuals mating with close relatives (inbreeding) are higher. Inbreeding increases the likelihood of offspring inheriting two copies of the same deleterious recessive alleles, which can lead to genetic disorders and reduced overall fitness.

3. Reduced Reproductive Success: Genetic drift and inbreeding can impact reproductive success in small tiger populations. As genetic variation decreases, individuals may have reduced fertility, increased rates of developmental abnormalities, and lower overall reproductive fitness.

4. Loss of Unique Adaptations: Small populations may lose unique genetic adaptations that have evolved over time and are essential for survival in specific habitats. These adaptations can provide advantages in areas such as hunting, camouflage, or disease resistance, and their loss can further reduce the population's resilience.

5. Genetic Bottlenecks: Small populations can also experience genetic bottlenecks, where a sudden and significant reduction in population size occurs. This can result in a severe loss of genetic diversity, exacerbating the effects of genetic drift and increasing the population's vulnerability.

Maintaining a sufficient and genetically diverse tiger population is crucial for their long-term survival. Conservation efforts that prioritize the genetic health of small tiger populations, such as habitat conservation, genetic monitoring, and population management strategies, are essential to mitigate the genetic risks associated with small population sizes.