TY - JOUR
T1 - DNA evidence for the hybridization of wild turtles in Taiwan : possible genetic pollution from trade animals
AU - FONG, Jonathan J.
AU - CHEN, Tien-Hsi
PY - 2010/10/1
Y1 - 2010/10/1
N2 - Field surveys in Taiwan have uncovered turtles presumed to be hybrids based on their intermediate morphology. We sequenced a mitochondrial (ND4) and nuclear (R35) gene of two putative hybrid individuals, along with representatives of the potential parental species ( Mauremys mutica , M. reevesii , M. sinensis ), to determine their genetic identity. Based on our data, both individuals are hybrids, with independent, recent origins resulting from the mating of a female M. reevesii and a male M. sinensis . Since we question whether the highly traded M. reevesii is endemic to Taiwan, this hybridization could represent human-mediated genetic pollution. We also discuss the implications of our findings on turtle conservation in Taiwan.
AB - Field surveys in Taiwan have uncovered turtles presumed to be hybrids based on their intermediate morphology. We sequenced a mitochondrial (ND4) and nuclear (R35) gene of two putative hybrid individuals, along with representatives of the potential parental species ( Mauremys mutica , M. reevesii , M. sinensis ), to determine their genetic identity. Based on our data, both individuals are hybrids, with independent, recent origins resulting from the mating of a female M. reevesii and a male M. sinensis . Since we question whether the highly traded M. reevesii is endemic to Taiwan, this hybridization could represent human-mediated genetic pollution. We also discuss the implications of our findings on turtle conservation in Taiwan.
UR - http://commons.ln.edu.hk/sw_master/5257
U2 - 10.1007/s10592-010-0066-z
DO - 10.1007/s10592-010-0066-z
M3 - Journal Article (refereed)
SN - 1566-0621
VL - 11
SP - 2061
EP - 2066
JO - Conservation Genetics
JF - Conservation Genetics
IS - 5
ER -