Origin and genetic diversity of leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) at Argentine foraging grounds

• Autores: Prosdocimi, Laura; Dutton, P. H.; Albareda, Diego; Remis, Maria Isabel
• Año de publicación: 2014
• Idioma: inglés
• Tipo de recurso: artículo
• Materia: Genetic Conservation; Dermochelys Coriacea; Endangered Species; Feeding And Development Ground
• Institución: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas

To conduct conservation of migratory species, such as marine turtles, is important to understand the population structure throughout the entire distribution of the species. We study the genetic composition of the leatherback turtles, Dermochelys coriacea foraging in waters off Argentina by analyzing 763 bp sequences of the mtDNA control region in order to determine the nesting origin of these animals. A total of 40 samples were collected from adult leatherbacks (mean 143.5; 180–123 cm curved carapace length) captured (10%) in fisheries or encountered as strandings (90%). Based on analysis of mtDNA sequences we detected 4 haplotypes, the most common (n = 26) being DC1.1, and the other two rarer DC1.3 (n = 4), DC13.1 (n = 2), and DC1.4 (n = 1). The genetic diversity was evaluated through the haplotype (0, 3712 ± 0, 1000) and nucleotide diversities (0, 000521 ± 0, 000553). Bayesian Mixed Stock Analysis (MSA) showed that the Buenos Aires foraging leatherbacks come primarily from the West African rookeries (Ghana and Gabon, mean estimate = 69% and 14% respectively). MSA results are consistent with those from mark–recapture studies, since four leatherbacks captured in Argentinean waters were adult females that were originally tagged on the nesting beaches in Gabon, West Africa. Our findings demonstrate the connection between nesting and foraging areas in the South Atlantic and illustrate the importance of the Malvinas ecoregion to the survival of migratory marine vertebrates, such as leatherbacks.
Fil: Prosdocimi, Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentina
Fil: Dutton, P. H.. National Ocean And Atmospheric Administration; Estados Unidos
Fil: Albareda, Diego. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Jardín Zoológico; Argentina
Fil: Remis, Maria Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; Argentina