Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging at Arvoredo Island in Southern Brazil: genetic characterization and mixed stock analysis through mtDNA control region haplotypes

• Published in: Genetics and molecular biology Vol. 32; no. 3; pp. 613 - 618
• Main Authors: Proietti, Maíra Carneiro, Lara-Ruiz, Paula, Reisser, Júlia Wiener, Pinto, Luciano da Silva, Dellagostin, Odir Antonio, Marins, Luis Fernando
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Genética 01.01.2009
• Subjects: Aves; BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY; Chelonia mydas; Evolutionary Genetics; foraging grounds; genetic diversity; GENETICS & HEREDITY; green turtle; mtDNA haplotypes; natal origins; ASW, Brazil, Santa Catarina, Arvoredo I; MED; ASW, Brazil, Sao Paulo, Ubatuba; A, Atlantic; natal origins; genetic diversity; green turtle; mtDNA haplotypes; foraging grounds
• ISSN: 1415-4757; 1678-4685; 1415-4757; 1678-4685
• DOI: 10.1590/S1415-47572009000300027

We analyzed mtDNA control region sequences of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Arvoredo Island, a foraging ground in southern Brazil, and identified eight haplotypes. Of these, CM-A8 (64%) and CM-A5 (22%) were dominant, the remainder presenting low frequencies (< 5%). Haplotype (h) and nucleotide (π) diversities were 0.5570 ± 0.0697 and 0.0021 ± 0.0016, respectively. Exact tests of differentiation and AMOVA Φ(ST) pairwise values between the study area and eight other Atlantic foraging grounds revealed significant differences in most areas, except Ubatuba and Rocas/Noronha, in Brazil (p > 0.05). Mixed Stock Analysis, incorporating eleven Atlantic and one Mediterranean rookery as possible sources of individuals, indicated Ascension and Aves islands as the main contributing stocks to the Arvoredo aggregation (68.01% and 22.96%, respectively). These results demonstrate the extensive relationships between Arvoredo Island and other Atlantic foraging and breeding areas. Such an understanding provides a framework for establishing adequate management and conservation strategies for this endangered species.