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New Chinese turtles: endangered or invalid? A reassessment of two species using mitochondrial DNA, allozyme electrophoresis and known‐locality specimens

New Chinese turtles: endangered or invalid? A reassessment of two species using mitochondrial... Over the past 16 years, 13 new species of geoemydid turtles have been described from China. Ten of these new species are based on specimens purchased through the Hong Kong animal trade. Unfortunately, attempts by scientists to discover wild populations of some these newly described species have failed, raising questions about the legitimacy of the type localities and concerns over the validity of the species. Here the phylogenetic and taxonomic validity of two of these species is tested. Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and allozyme genotypes of specimens matching the descriptions of Mauremys iversoni and Cuora serrata are compared to specimens of established species collected from known localities. The available evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that the specimens represent polyphyletic, intergeneric hybrids. The systematic status of all the new forms of turtles described from pet trade specimens are critical data for conservation efforts, particularly captive breeding. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Animal Conservation Wiley

New Chinese turtles: endangered or invalid? A reassessment of two species using mitochondrial DNA, allozyme electrophoresis and known‐locality specimens

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References (100)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
"Copyright © 2001 Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company"
ISSN
1367-9430
eISSN
1469-1795
DOI
10.1017/S1367943001001421
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Over the past 16 years, 13 new species of geoemydid turtles have been described from China. Ten of these new species are based on specimens purchased through the Hong Kong animal trade. Unfortunately, attempts by scientists to discover wild populations of some these newly described species have failed, raising questions about the legitimacy of the type localities and concerns over the validity of the species. Here the phylogenetic and taxonomic validity of two of these species is tested. Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes and allozyme genotypes of specimens matching the descriptions of Mauremys iversoni and Cuora serrata are compared to specimens of established species collected from known localities. The available evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that the specimens represent polyphyletic, intergeneric hybrids. The systematic status of all the new forms of turtles described from pet trade specimens are critical data for conservation efforts, particularly captive breeding.

Journal

Animal ConservationWiley

Published: Nov 1, 2001

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