Phylogenetic relationships of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens) populations from the Tamaulipan biotic province and implications for recovery
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2007 |
Authors: |
Jan E. Janecka, Chris W. Walker, Michael E. Tewes, Arturo Caso, Linda L. Laack, Rodney L. Honeycutt |
Publication/Journal: |
The Southwestern Naturalist |
Keywords: |
endangered, leopardus pardalis albescens, mitochondrial DNA, ocelot, phylogenetic analysis, source populations, translocation |
Abstract:
The remaining populations of ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens) in the United States are reduced to 2 isolated populations in southern Texas, with the next closest populations occurring in central Tamaulipas, Mexico. The species is listed as endangered, and recovery of populations in Texas eventually might require translocations from larger source populations. We sequenced the mitochondrial DNA control region from individuals from Texas and northern Mexico and compared these data to existing sequences derived from ocelots in other parts of its range in southern Mexico, Central America, and South America. Nucleotide diversity was lower in Texas than in Mexico, suggesting a loss of genetic variation as a consequence of fragmentation and increased genetic drift. Phylogenetic analyses showed a close relationship between populations in Texas and northern Mexico that encompass the range of the subspecies L. pardalis albescens. Based on these data, the best source population for a recovery plan involving ocelot translocations would be northern Mexico, because this region seems to form a discrete management unit (both ecologically and phylogenetically) that includes Texas.