Population genetic analysis of Caiman crocodilus (Linnaeus, 1758) from South America
Genet. mol. biol
;
29(2): 220-230, 2006. ilus, mapas, tab
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-432690
RESUMO
The genetic structure of Caiman crocodilus was investigated using a 1085 bp mtDNA fragment of the cytochrome b gene. Inferences were based on 125 individuals from nine localities in Peru, Brazil and French Guiana. With the exception of Mamirauá Lake, Anavilhanas Archipelago and the Tapará Community which show a signal of demographic expansion, the sampled localities are in a mutation-drift genetic equilibrium. Divergence between the Amazon basin and extra-Amazon basin localities is significant; however, inference from Nested Clade Analysis cannot distinguish between continuous range expansion, long distance colonization or past fragmentation; however, past fragmentation is unlikely due to low number of mutational steps separating these two regions. The divergence is probably maintained by the reduced ability of C. crocodilus to cross salt water barriers. Within the Amazon basin, continuous range expansion without isolation-by-distance is the most likely process causing genetic structuring. The observed genetic patterns are compatible with the ecology of C. crocodilus, and history of human exploitation. As commercial hunting depleted more valuable species, C. crocodilus expanded its range and ecological niche, prompting hunters to harvest it. Following a period of intense hunting, C. crocodilus is now experiencing recovery and a second population expansion especially in protected areas.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
DNA, Mitochondrial
/
Alligators and Crocodiles
/
Genetics, Population
Limits:
Animals
Country/Region as subject:
South America
Language:
English
Journal:
Genet. mol. biol
Journal subject:
Genetics
Year:
2006
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
/
French Guiana
Institution/Affiliation country:
Association Kwata/GF
/
Instituto Piagaçu-Purus/BR
/
Universidade Federal do Amazonas/BR
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