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Investigation of genetic diversity in fragmented geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) populations

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Abstract

Microsatellite DNA was used to investigatelevels of genetic variability in severelyfragmented populations of the geometrictortoise, Psammobates geometricus, themost endangered tortoise on mainland Africa.Eight microsatellite markers were used toassess genetic variability within and betweenthree naturally occurring populations of P. geometricus. These populations areseparated by the Cape Fold mountain ranges inthe western Cape region of South Africa. Levels of variability were quantified usingallelic diversity, genotypic frequencies andheterozygosity. Evidence for populationsub-structuring was examined using Fstatistics, Rst and δμ2.High levels of variability were found in allthree populations. Low levels of populationdifferentiation were found suggestingsignificant gene flow between the populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa

    J. Cunningham & C. O'Ryan

  2. Cape Nature Conservation, Private Bag 5014, Stellenbosch 7599, Cape Town, South Africa

    E.H.W. Baard

  3. Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Cape Town, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa

    E.H. Harley

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  1. J. Cunningham
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  2. E.H.W. Baard
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  3. E.H. Harley
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  4. C. O'Ryan
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Correspondence to J. Cunningham.

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Cunningham, J., Baard, E., Harley, E. et al. Investigation of genetic diversity in fragmented geometric tortoise (Psammobates geometricus) populations. Conservation Genetics 3, 215–223 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1019909515202

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