Abstract

HERNANDEZ-ARDILA, Laura Valentina et al. Insights into the genetic diversity of the leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), inferred from mitochondrial DNA analysis, at Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula. Bol. Invest. Mar. Cost. [online]. 2021, vol.50, suppl.1, pp.227-238.  Epub Dec 14, 2021. ISSN 0122-9761.  https://doi.org/10.25268/bimc.invemar.2021.50.suplesp.951.

The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is a genetically low-studied species. In order to conduct the first genetic diversity assessment of this species in Danco Coast (Antarctic Peninsula), 423 bp of the mitochondrial DNA Control Region (mtDNA-CR) was sequenced from 13 blood samples collected in Primavera Base (62º15’S, 58º39’W) during the 2011-2012 austral summer. Our results showed high haplotype diversity (h = 0.99), with various divergent haplotypes. Our findings suggest that leopard seals in the Danco Coast could represent different phylogroups; however, including more genetic markers are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Keywords : Seal; Pinnipeds; mtDNA; Control Region; Antarctica..

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