Variety is the spice of life: adaptive genetic variation to inform conservation of cheetahs

2) The main scientific goal of the project is to investigate the adaptive evolution of cheetah. This main part of the project will be the analysis of 50 samples of Acinonyx jubatus jubatus from South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Knowledge with regards to the genetic variability of the different populations is essential in order to make effective conservation management plans for this species.
3) Objectives and goals: With this research project we aim to increase the knowledge about the innate immunity in cheetahs. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an important component of the innate immune system. Their sequences have not been investigated yet in cheetahs. With the following objectives we aim to reach to overall goal to investigate the adaptive evolution of cheetahs in Southern Africa:
4) PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the four TLR genes 2, 4, 6 and 8.
5) Diversity analysis of TLR genes 2, 4, 6 and 8 in three different populations of Southern African cheetahs (South Africa, Botswana and Namibia).