Faculty Publications

Migration, Gene Flow, And Genetic Diversity Within And Among Iowa Populations Of Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene Ornata Ornata)

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Emydidae, Iowa, Microsatellites, Population genetics, Reptilia, Testudines

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Chelonian Conservation and Biology

Volume

7

Issue

1

First Page

3

Last Page

11

Abstract

Like many fragmented reptile populations, the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) is located in isolated, often small, populations in eastern Iowa. If populations are to remain viable, genetic diversity within these populations must be maintained, which is done most efficiently by migration among populations. Population viability was accessed using 3 microsatellite loci to determine population genetic structure in 2 locally dispersed subpopulations of ornate box turtles. Although these subpopulations were determined to be 1 large population with the normal range of heterozygosity, further examination revealed evidence of genetic divergence from a once larger population that is now geographically separated into fragments. We concluded that the central population studied was genetically healthy, and with proper management that continues to promote gene flow, the population should remain viable in the near future. © 2008 Chelonian Research Foundation.

Department

Department of Biology

Original Publication Date

8-1-2008

DOI of published version

10.2744/CCB-0653.1

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