Genetic variability in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus)

Journal of Mammalogy
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Abstract

Tissue was obtained from 59 manatee (Trichechus manatus) carcasses salvaged from 20 counties in Florida. Allozyme phenotypes at 24 structural loci were determined by gel electrophoresis. Averages for the proportion of polymorphic loci and mean heterozygosity were 0.300 (range, 0.167-0.417) and 0.050 (range, 0.028-0.063), respectively. These estimates are equivalent to or higher than those generally reported for other species of marine mammals and do not support the hypothesis that body size and heterozygosity in mammals are related inversely. Among-region gene diversity accounted for only 4% of the total diversity. High rates of gene flow probably account for genetic homogeneity across regions. An F-statistic analysis revealed a general tendency toward excess homozygosity within regions. Management efforts to prevent future reductions in population size that would erode existing genic diversity should continue.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Genetic variability in the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus)
Series title Journal of Mammalogy
DOI 10.2307/1381339
Volume 69
Issue 3
Year Published 1988
Language English
Publisher American Society of Mammalogists
Publisher location Provo, UT
Description 8 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Mammalogy
First page 481
Last page 488
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