Molecular assessment of population differentiation and individual assignment potential of Nile crocodile (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Crocodylus niloticus</Emphasis>) populations |
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Authors: | Evon R Hekkala George Amato Rob DeSalle Michael J Blum |
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Institution: | (1) Sackler Institute for Conservation Genetics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10027, USA;(2) Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10027, USA;(3) Department of Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA |
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Abstract: | Conservation and management of widespread species can be improved if populations exhibiting genetic differentiation are recognized
as local management units. Specimens of Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) corresponding to major river drainage systems from Eastern Africa and Madagascar, and a small set of samples from Western
Africa, were analyzed using multilocus genotyping to evaluate the potential to discriminate among locations and to assign
individuals to population of origin. Populations from all sampled regions exhibited marked levels of genetic and genotypic
differentiation as assessed by significant F
ST values and Bayesian analysis of population structure. At the regional level, the majority (94%) of all specimens were successfully
assigned to the population of origin using only four microsatellite loci. Three populations sampled within Madagascar required
the use of 12 loci for successful assignment of greater than 84%. Our findings demonstrate a need for alternative management
strategies that consider the biogeographic sub-structuring of Nile crocodiles associated with major river drainages in Africa
and Madagascar. |
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