We are pleased to announce the publication of our new paper:
Gariboldi, M. C., Túnez,
J. I., Failla, M., Hevia, M., Panebianco,
M. V., Paso Viola, M. N., Vitullo, A. D. and Cappozzo, H. L. (2016), Patterns of population structure at
microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers in the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia
blainvillei). Ecology and
Evolution, 00: 1–13. doi:10.1002/ece3.2596
ABSTRACT: The franciscana dolphin, Pontorporia
blainvillei, is an endemic cetacean of the Atlantic coast of South America.
Its coastal distribution and restricted movement patterns make this species
vulnerable to anthropogenic factors, particularly to incidental bycatch. We
used mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, 10 microsatellites, and sex
data to investigate the population structure of the franciscana dolphin from a
previously established management area, which includes the southern edge of its
geographic range. F-statistics and Bayesian cluster analyses
revealed the existence of three genetically distinct populations. Based on the
microsatellite loci, similar levels of genetic variability were found in the
area; 13 private alleles were found in Monte Hermoso, but none in Claromecó.
When considering the mitochondrial DNA control region sequences, lower levels
of genetic diversity were found in Monte Hermoso, when compared to the other
localities. Low levels of gene flow were found between most localities.
Additionally, no evidence of isolation by distance nor sex-biased dispersal was
detected in the study area. In view of these results showing that populations
from Necochea/Claromecó, Monte Hermoso, and Río Negro were found to be
genetically distinct and the available genetic information for the species previously
published, Argentina would comprise five distinct populations: Samborombón
West/Samborombón South, Cabo San Antonio/Buenos Aires East,
Necochea/Claromecó/Buenos Aires Southwest, Monte Hermoso, and Río Negro. In
order to ensure the long-term survival of the franciscana dolphin, management
and conservation strategies should be developed considering each of these
populations as different management units.
This paper is an Open Access publication and is
freely available for view and download at the following link:
Lic. María Constanza Gariboldi
Centro de Estudios Biomédicos, Biotecnológicos, Ambientales y Diagnóstico - CEBBAD
Universidad Maimónides
Hidalgo 775 6to piso (1405)
Tel: 4905 1192
Fax: 4905 1133