Relationship among cane rat (Thryonomys Swinderianus) families of unknown genetic origins in Ibadan Nigeria

Population of wild cane rats decline in African countries due to high rate of hunting, destruction of their natural habitats and high demand for cane rat meat. Subsequently cane rat has been classified among the threatened and endangered wildlife (Aluko et al., 2015) in the West African sub-region. Global concerns over hunting of endangered species of animals has led conservationists and advocates to lead campaign for domestication, to increase production and supply of cane rats, thus reducing pressure on wild populations, controlling environmental degradation and conserving biodiversity in the region (FAO1, FAO2).

By studying underlying genetic relationships - which has not yet been determined - among cane rat groups from different primary sources, groups and families; it would be possible to unravel the measure of diversity among them. Novel analytical techniques include Pearson’s genetic correlation, r; Multiple linear regression, MLR, Standard Euclidean distance, Seuclid and Cluster procedures. These techniques were used to unravel the relationships among three cane rat groups in a spatial South-west Nigerian environment.

The objective of study was to estimate underlying relationships among cane rat families of unknown genetic origins in the spatial environment of Ibadan in South-west Nigeria.