Low genetic differentiation across three major ocean populations of the whale shark, Rhincodon typus.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Whale sharks are a declining species for which little biological data is available. While these animals are protected in many parts of their range, they are fished legally and illegally in some countries. Baseline biological and ecological data are needed to allow the formulation of an effective conservation plan for whale sharks. It is not known, for example, whether the whale shark is represented by a single worldwide panmictic population or by numerous, reproductively isolated populations. Genetic analysis of population structure is one essential component of the baseline data required for whale shark conservation.

Methodology/principal findings

We have identified 8 polymorphic microsatellites in the whale shark and used these markers to assess genetic variatio

SUBMITTER: Schmidt JV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2662413 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature