Genetic diversity and structure in the Endangered Allen Cays Rock Iguana, Cyclura cychlura inornata.

ABSTRACT: The Endangered Allen Cays Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata) is endemic to the Allen Cays, a tiny cluster of islands in the Bahamas. Naturally occurring populations exist on only two cays (<4 ha each). However, populations of unknown origin were recently discovered on four additional cays. To investigate patterns of genetic variation among these populations, we analyzed nuclear and mitochondrial markers for 268 individuals. Analysis of three mitochondrial gene regions (2,328 bp) and data for eight nuclear microsatellite loci indicated low genetic diversity overall. Estimates of effective population sizes based on multilocus genotypes were also extremely low. Despite low diversity, significant population structuring and variation in genetic diversity measures were detected among cays.

SUBMITTER: Aplasca AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4793328 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature