A phylogenetic appraisal of the endangered Alabama red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis Baur)

The Alabama Red-bellied Turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis ) was designated a federally endangered species in 1987. Given the restricted geographic distribution, conservation concerns, and unique life history of this turtle, it is extremely important to protect existing populations and their habitats. The morphological differences between P. alabamensis and other species of turtles in the genus Pseudemys have been well documented. However, to date, few genetic analyses have been conducted on P. alabamensis. I used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence data to determine the phylogenetic distinctiveness of P. alabamensis within the context of the other members of the genus. A total of 91 specimens were used in analyses revealing 36 different mtDNA haplotypes. Of the 39 samples of P. alabamensis examined, only 4 unique haplotypes were discovered. The genus Pseudemys forms a well-supported monophyletic Glade. However, only P. gorzugi (Rio Grande Cooter) was genetically distinct from all other members of the genus. Pseudemys texana (Texas Cooter) was found to be distinct but nested within a Glade containing all other Pseudemys . Due to limited genetic variation observed between P. alabamensis and the remaining five species in the genus, support for the currently recognized taxa was lacking.