Abstract
The Neotropical otter is one of the least known otter species, and it is considered to be threatened to various degrees throughout its geographic range. Little information exists on the ecological characteristics of this species, and no genetic study has been published about it until now, hampering the design of adequate conservation strategies for its populations. To contribute with genetic information to comprehensive conservation efforts on behalf of L. longicaudis, we characterized the molecular diversity of the 5 portion of the mtDNA control region in samples from this species collected in Southern and Southeastern Brazil. The sequence analysis revealed a high level of haplotype diversity (h=0.819; SE=0.0052) and nucleotide variability ranging from 0.0039 to 0.0067. One of the sampled haplotypes was the most common in both regions and, from this sequence, several other (locally occurring) haplotypes could be derived by single point mutations. No significant genetic differentiation was observed between the Southern and Southeastern regions.
Highlights
Accurate estimates of genetic diversity and its patterns of geographic structuring are extremely important for the ultimate adequacy and success of conservation efforts
In this paper we aim to describe and analyze the diversity of the 5’ portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region in this species, based on samples collected in Southern and Southeastern Brazil
Observed levels of genetic variability in Neotropical otters were similar or lower (π = 0.0049 ± 0.0015; h = 0.8188 ± 0.0052) than values observed for other vertebrates
Summary
Accurate estimates of genetic diversity and its patterns of geographic structuring are extremely important for the ultimate adequacy and success of conservation efforts. Due to the elusive behavior of most carnivore species, this kind of information is often very difficult to obtain, as is the case of Lontra longicaudis (Mamalia, Carnivora, Mustelidae). This medium-sized, semi-aquatic carnivore, is widely distributed in the Neotropical region, and currently faces threats such as habitat destruction and pollution in several parts of its distribution (Chehébar, 1990). Information on the genetic diversity of this species, and its connection with ecological data, are required steps towards the effective conservation and management of this organism.
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