Sex-related gene and sex identification of Crested IbisNipponia nippon (Ciconiiformes: Threskiornithidae)

The Crested Ibis (Nipponia nippon) is a critical endangered species of the world. At present, a reintroduction program will be conducted to save this species essentially. However, because the Crested Ibise is a sexual alike bird, it is very difficult to identify the sex from the morphological character. In order to identify the sex easily and select the right individuals for captive breeding and reintroduction, the sex related gene on W chromosome was amplified and the sex of three Crested Ibises were also identified in the present study. The 262bp fragment was also sequenced, and we found that there were 13 different nucleotide sites with 2.25 of transition/transversion based on the comparison with that of the Oriental White Stork. The sequence will also provide a theoretic base for further designing specific primer for sex related gene in the Crested Ibis.