The synergetic effects of inbreeding and temperature variability on biotic potential of Walia Ibex (Capra walie)

A study on the Walia ibex (Capra walie) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, reveals that the synergistic effect of inbreeding and temperature variability significantly reduces the species' biotic potential more than either factor alone. The research used census data and models to quantify these effects, finding a strong negative correlation (r = 0.709, p < 0.05) between the combined impact of inbreeding coefficients and temperature fluctuations on population growth rates. Specifically, increases in inbreeding or temperature variability by one unit per year led to decreases in biotic potential by -0.659 and -0.331 units, respectively. This suggests that environmental stress and genetic factors interact to pose a greater threat to the Walia ibex than either challenge individually.

Kefyalew Alemayehu. (2012). The synergetic effects of inbreeding and temperature variability on biotic potential of Walia Ibex (Capra walie). International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 4(6). https://doi.org/10.5897/ijbc11.219