Forensic Genetic Analyses of Melanistic Iguanas Highlight the Need to Monitor the Iguanid Trade.

ABSTRACT: Lizards within the Iguana iguana species complex are among the most common reptilian pets, with the widest natural geographic range among iguanids. Deep phylogenetic divergence distinguishes multiple mitochondrial clades, and several taxonomic changes have recently been proposed. These small populations, typically island endemics, are threatened by numerous factors, including the international pet trade. Recent investigations reveal the absence of required CITES permits for lawful export of animals, providing evidence of ongoing illegal trade. Additional monitoring of trade in iguanas can be achieved through the application of forensic molecular techniques. In this study, two captive melanistic iguanas were genotyped for molecular markers for which geographic distributions of allele

SUBMITTER: Mitchell B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9559298 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature