Studies on the population genetics of green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles in Malaysia using DNA microsatellites

Abstract

Genetic diversity of six populations of green turtle (Chelonia mydas Linnaeus, 1958) from Terengganu, Pahang, Perak, Sarawak, Sabah Turtle Islands Park and Pulau Sipadan and four populations of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata Linnaeus, 1766) from Melaka, Johor, Terengganu and Sabah were analysed using 14 microsatellite markers. The amplified DNA product was electrophoresed using Nusieve Agarose gel 3:1 and the banding patterns were visualized by using UV light. High levels of polymorphism were observed over all populations of green turtle, with up to 12 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.5 to 0.7. In hawksbill turtle populations, these loci were also polymorphic, with up to 8 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosities from 0.2 to 0.6. The difference in the level of genetic variability in the two species of marine turtles needs explanation and may have profound implications for the management of these endangered species.