Genetic diversity of Caspian Pond Turtle (Mauremys Caspica) in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran

Turtles are the oldest reptiles that have been living with the least change since the second period of geology. Caspian pond turtle (Mauremys caspica) has a relatively wide distribution in the north and east of Iran. Survival of this species has been severely threatened due to various factors such as habitat destruction, increased environmental pollution, and water resources mismanagement in many habitats of the country. However, there is little information on the genetic status of the population in many regions of the country. On the other hand, genetic diversity investigation between populations and within every population is of paramount importance for identifying management units. The aim of the current research is to investigate the genetic diversity of Caspian pond turtle in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province located in central part of the Zagros mountain range. To this purpose, a 1160-bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene and tRNAThr gene was sequenced in 12 individuals all over the province. Overall, a dataset, including 41 sequences of Caspian pond turtle containing new sequences and extracted sequences from the GenBank was formed. According to the findings, all turtles of the province revealed one haplotype. Results obtained from haplotype network analysis (median joining) showed that this identified haplotype belongs to eastern haplogroup of Caspian pond turtle.

Keywords:

Cytochrome b , Haplotype , Haplogroup , Caspian pond turtle , Central Zagros