Genetic characterization of Caiman latirostris populations in Santa Fe, Argentina, applying RAPD and isozymes techniques

AMAVET, P.; E. ROSSO; R. MARKARIANI; G. POLETTA AND A. LARRIERA

Montelimar, Francia

Congreso; 18th Working meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group (SSC-IUCN); 2006

Crocodile Specialist Group (SSC/IUCN)

Results of a genetic population analysis performed in Santa Fe province, Argentina, using RAPD and isozymes, are described. Blood and tissues samples of 41 individuals of 4 populations of Santa Fe province were obtained and 10 animals from Formosa province were used as controls. DNA samples were amplified with 8 RAPD-primers and PCR products were visualized on polyacrylamide gels. 233 RAPD markers were used to analyzed genetic variability and population structure by presence-absense of bands. Results show mid to low genetic diversity value, a high value of population diferenciation (FST=0,327 ± 0,283 SD), and an effective migration rate of NM= 0,5. These data indicate that an important structure exists in all populations, with a scarce genetic flow between them, which suggest that each one has a similar behaviour to a demo with its own characteristics. The analysis of genetic distances showed that genetic differences are in relation to geographic distances due to the high similarity found between nearby populations. Up to the moment, 4 isozymes systems were analyzed and all of them showed an heterozigocity of value of 0 in the populations, in agrement with previous studies.