A genetic analysis of population structure and reproductive ecology in the Alabama red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis Baur)

The body of work presented here details the use of genetic analyses to yield information on reproductive ecology and current population trends in the federally endangered Alabama red-bellied turtle (ARBT; Pseudemys alabamensis Baur 1893). Six microsatellite markers were identified for use in this species. I also compared multiple approaches for obtaining DNA from ARBT specimens. DNA was obtained from oviductal eggs, which to my knowledge is the first documentation of successful DNA extraction from eggs in this species. I found no evidence of differentiation among breeding populations found across the ARBT distribution in southern Alabama and Mississippi. Further analysis of one of the largest known breeding populations of the ARBT revealed a significant decrease in genetic diversity within the population over a nine-year period. Results signal a possible decline in population numbers and may be critical in assessing current and future conservation measures for this endangered species.