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Conservation genetics of the scalloped hammerhead shark in the Pacific coast of Colombia
Citation
Quintanilla, S and Gomez, A and Marino-Ramirez, C and Sorzano, C and Bessudo, S and Soler, G and Bernal, JE and Caballero, S, Conservation genetics of the scalloped hammerhead shark in the Pacific coast of Colombia, Journal of Heredity, 106, (S1) pp. 448-458. ISSN 0022-1503 (2015) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright The American Genetic Association 2015. All rights reserved.
DOI: doi:10.1093/jhered/esv050
Abstract
Previous investigations of the population genetics of the scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific have lacked information about nursery areas. Such areas are key to promoting conservation initiatives that can protect young sharks from threats such as overfishing. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity, phylogeography, and connectivity of S. lewini found in 3 areas of Colombia's Pacific coast: around Malpelo Island and in 2 National Natural Parks on the Colombian Pacific mainland (Sanquianga and Ensenada de Utrķa). We analyzed mtDNA control region (CR) sequences and genotyped 15 microsatellite loci in 137 samples of adults and juveniles. The mtDNA analyses showed haplotypes shared between the Colombian Pacific individuals sampled in this investigation and other areas in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, the Indo-Pacific, and with sequences previously reported in Colombia (Buenaventura Port), as well as 4 unique haplotypes. Population assignment and paternity analyses detected 3 parent-offspring pairs between Malpelo and Sanquianga and 1 between Malpelo and Utrķa. These results indicate high genetic connectivity between Malpelo Island and the Colombian Pacific coast, suggesting that these 2 areas are nurseries for S. lewini. This is, to our knowledge, the first evidence of nursery areas identified for the scalloped hammerhead shark anywhere in the world. Additional conservation planning may be required to protect these nursery habitats of this endangered shark species.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Malpelo Island, Sphyrna lewini, genetic connectivity, shark nurseries |
| Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
| Research Group: | Genetics |
| Research Field: | Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics |
| Objective Division: | Environment |
| Objective Group: | Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
| Objective Field: | Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
| UTAS Author: | Soler, G (Mr German Soler) |
| ID Code: | 106670 |
| Year Published: | 2015 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 8 |
| Deposited By: | IMAS Research and Education Centre |
| Deposited On: | 2016-02-17 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-01 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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