Optimizing conservation strategies: genetic characterization of an ex situ population of Aylacostoma chloroticum (Gastropoda: Thiaridae)

SOTORRES, D.; BELTRAMINO, A.A.; VOGLER, R.E.; PESO, J.G.

Foz do Iguaçu

Congreso; XXII International Congress of Genetics; 2018

Sociedade Brasileira de Genética

Aylacostoma chloroticum Hylton Scott 1954 is an endemic freshwater gastropod from the High Paraná River. The construction of the Yacyretá dam threatened the populations of this species, nowadays being listed as "Extinct in the Wild (EW)" by the IUCN. Two mitochondrial haplotypes for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were described for this species (H1 and H2 ), which were also recognized as Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs). The identification of these ESUs provide rational basis to enhance conservation efforts based on the underlying genetic diversity of the populations, since these units represent independent evolutionary lineages. In this study, the genetic diversity of an ex situ population of A. chloroticum from Candelaria, Misiones, Argentina was characterized by using partial COI gene sequences. Thirty-eight living specimens were relaxed in 5% Nembutal solution for 6-8 h and tissue fragments were obtained from their muscular foot. Total genomic DNA was extracted by a CTAB method, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed using universal primers. The resulting amplicons were then purified, sequenced in both senses and edited, obtaining high quality sequences of 658 bp. The analysis of this ex situ population evidenced the presence of H1 in all the samples. Determination of the genetic diversity of captive populations is a fundamental component in any conservation programme in order to establish conservation priorities and optimize reintroduction strategies.