Patterns of genetic variation in Puma concolor populations on central and southern Argentina: steps towards building conservation units

MAC ALLISTER M.; MAZZEI R. P.; FIGUEROA C. E.; ACOSTA D.B.; MERINO M.L.; TUNEZ J. I.; TRAVAINI A.; FERNÁNDEZ G.P.

Congreso; 66º Congresso Brasileiro de Genética; 2021

Sociedad Brasileira de genética

In Argentina, puma (Puma concolor Linnaeus, 1771) faces two main threats: habitat degradation and human conflict (poaching and illegal movement of animals). Both genetic and taxonomical knowledge should be improved to propose management and conservation decisions. The objective is to identify and characterize patterns of genetic variability on central and southern Argentine populations through the use of a mitochondrial molecular marker.110 tissue sample were collected. A control region fragment (353 bp) were analyzed. Network (median joining) and a distribution map of the haplotypes were made. Bayesian analysis were undertaken using BEAST and BAPS.From these studies, we could see that despite having suffered a strong extractive pressure in the last 150 years, the geographic limits between subspecies are still evident. However, since in La Pampa province game reserves carry specimens captured from several hundred kilometers away, the obtained results should be interpreted in this context. We will be able to evaluate that situation as we obtain enough samples from that area. These results are essential for the definition of Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) and Management Units (MUs) for the species.