Defining intraspecific conservation units in the endemic Cuban Rock Iguanas (Cyclura nubila nubila).

ABSTRACT: Defining conservation units is an important step in species management and requires interpretation of the genetic diversity and ecological function of the taxon being considered. We used the endemic Cuban Rock Iguanas (Cyclura nubila nubila) as a model to highlight this challenge and examined patterns of its intraspecific genetic diversity across Cuba. We evaluated nuclear (microsatellite loci) and mitochondrial diversity across eight populations from the island and its off-shore cays, and applied the population genetics results for assignment of Management Unit (MU) status and Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) based on phylogeographic and time of divergence information. We identified at least six distinct Cuban Rock Iguana MUs, encompassing demographically isolated and genetically dif

SUBMITTER: Shaney KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7729961 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature