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Mitochondrial DNA diversity and PCR-based sex determination of Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) from Chilika Lagoon, India

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Abstract

Of the only known two Lagoon populations of Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella) in the world, one is residing in the Chilika Lagoon in Orissa state, India. In addition to accidental deaths in gill net fishery and mechanized boat operations, there has been exploitation of the species for their oil. Extreme patchy distribution and vulnerability to becoming entangled in fishing gear has made it a focus of conservation concern. Information on genetic diversity of populations has considerable potential for informing conservation plans. The present paper reports the first genetic study of O. brevirostris from Chilika Lagoon based on mtDNA sequencing and PCR-based sex identification from 11 individuals. Control region sequence comparison showed two haplotypes and cytochrome b a single haplotype in the Chilika population of the species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated distinct clades within the Asian samples, with the Indian population showing closest genetic proximity to the haplotypes from Thailand. Sex of the animal was determined by PCR-based method. It is important to continue to examine the population discreteness and genetic variation of Irrawaddy dolphin in Chilika Lagoon vis-à-vis its global geographic distribution for formulating the conservation plans of the species.

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Acknowledgments

We are thankful to Dr. N. Sarangi, former Director and Dr. Ambekar E. Eknath, present Director, Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), Bhubaneswar for facilitating this collaborative study between CIFA and the Chilika Development Authority (CDA). Financial assistance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India is acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, 751 002, Orissa, India

    P. Jayasankar, A. Patel & P. Das

  2. Chilika Development Authority, C-11 BJB Nagar, Bhubaneswar, 751 014, Orissa, India

    M. Khan

  3. Nandankanan Biological Park, Mayur Bhawan, Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar, 751 007, Orissa, India

    S. Panda

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  1. P. Jayasankar
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  2. A. Patel
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  3. M. Khan
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  4. P. Das
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  5. S. Panda
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Correspondence to P. Jayasankar.

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Fig. S1

PCR amplification of SRY and ZFX/ZFY–specific fragments in different individuals of O. brevirostris examined in the present study. Lane M, 100-bp DNA ladder; lane 1, OC1 (female); lane 2, OC2 (male); lane 3, OC3 (male); lane 4, OC4 (male); lane 5, OC5 (male); lane 6, OC7 (male); lane 7, ML1 (female); lane 8, ML2 (male); lane 9, ML3 (female); lane 10, ML4 (male); lane 11, ML5 (male); lane M, 100-bp DNA ladder (TIFF 311 kb)

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Jayasankar, P., Patel, A., Khan, M. et al. Mitochondrial DNA diversity and PCR-based sex determination of Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) from Chilika Lagoon, India. Mol Biol Rep 38, 1661–1668 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-010-0277-x

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