Genetic diversity and structure in the Endangered Allen Cays Rock Iguana, Cyclura cychlura inornata

PeerJ

article

Andrea C. Aplasca¹  John B. Iverson³  Mark E. Welch⁴  Giuliano Colosimo⁴  Evon R. Hekkala¹ 

[1] Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University;College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University;Department of Biology, Earlham College;Department of Biological Sciences, Mississippi State University

关键词: Allen cays rock iguana;    Island conservation;    Reintroduction;    Genetic structure;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.1793

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

The Endangered Allen Cays Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata) is endemic to the Allen Cays, a tiny cluster of islands in the Bahamas. Naturally occurring populations exist on only two cays (<4 ha each). However, populations of unknown origin were recently discovered on four additional cays. To investigate patterns of genetic variation among these populations, we analyzed nuclear and mitochondrial markers for 268 individuals. Analysis of three mitochondrial gene regions (2,328 bp) and data for eight nuclear microsatellite loci indicated low genetic diversity overall. Estimates of effective population sizes based on multilocus genotypes were also extremely low. Despite low diversity, significant population structuring and variation in genetic diversity measures were detected among cays. Genetic data confirm the source population for an experimentally translocated population while raising concerns regarding other, unauthorized, translocations. Reduced heterozygosity is consistent with a documented historical population decline due to overharvest. This study provides the first range-wide genetic analysis of this subspecies. We suggest strategies to maximize genetic diversity during ongoing recovery including additional translocations to establish assurance populations and additional protective measures for the two remaining natural populations.

【 授权许可】

CC BY