The Mediterranean Habitat of the Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle (<i>Trionyx triunguis</i>): Genomic and Reproductive Insights into an Endangered Population.

ABSTRACT: The Mediterranean soft-shell turtle (Trionyx triunguis) is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. Effective conservation requires a clear understanding of its reproductive strategies and population structure. By combining mitochondrial DNA tandem repeat-region profiling with genome-wide SNP data obtained through 3RADseq, we gained high-resolution insights into the genetic composition and breeding behavior of Mediterranean populations. Our results revealed complex reproductive dynamics, including multiple paternity, sperm storage, and repeated nesting within a single season-strategies that enhance genetic diversity in small, fragmented populations. Using SNP-based kinship inference, we estimated the number of breeding females and identified full and half-sibling groups, off

SUBMITTER: Gaspar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12469950 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature