Genetic Characterization of <i>Caiman crocodilus</i> (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) on Gorgona Island, Colombia.

ABSTRACT: This study examines the genetic variation and structure of the spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) on Gorgona Island, Colombia, compared to continental populations. We analyzed 178 partial Cytochrome b gene sequences, most of which were obtained from GenBank, and identified 23 haplogroups, with five of these specifically found on the Island. Phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood placed C. crocodilus, including the Gorgona Island population, in a distinct monophyletic group. Genetic structure analysis identified two main clusters, with Gorgona Island caimans primarily assigned to the Trans-Andean cluster. The haplogroup network illustrates the two major groups, with a maximum of 12 mutational steps between them. Additionally, Tajima's D statistic suggests an excess

SUBMITTER: Londono N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12467642 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature