A Novel Discovery in Condor Reproduction #ScientistOutLoud

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Sometimes surprising discoveries happen when scientists aren’t looking for them. While analyzing biological samples from California Condors as part of a conservation effort, a team at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance discovered an unusual phenomenon: two condors born in captivity that contained only maternal DNA. This startling observation confirmed a rare event known as facultative parthenogenesis – a form of asexual reproduction in females that typically reproduce sexually. From that team, Dr. Oliver Ryder joins us to discuss his work in conservation biology, how his team made this discovery, and what implications it might have for the endangered California Condor and other species.

About Our Guest

Dr. Oliver Ryder, Ph.D., is the Kleberg Endowed Director of Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance where he oversees research activities in the areas of molecular genetics, genomic studies, and genetic rescue efforts, including stem cell applications – all focused on reducing extinction risk and contributing to species recovery and sustainable populations.

Links:

• San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Conservation Scientists Report First Confirmed Hatchings of Two California Condor Chicks from Unfertilized Eggs (Press Release from Sand Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)
• Facultative Parthenogenesis in California Condors (Journal of Heredity, 28 Oct 2021)
• California Condors Are Capable of Asexual Reproduction (Wired, 28 Oct 2021)
• Endangered birds experience ‘virgin birth,’ a first for the species (National Geographic, 28 Oct 2021)

Featured image courtesy of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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