Genetic Variation of Neutral and Non-Neutral Markers of the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)

Abstract

The Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, faces challenges from environmental threats and human interactions. The basis for this project was to characterize and assess the genetic diversity of a neutral marker in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and a non-neutral marker, a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene, of the southwest Florida manatee. There are currently no published data available for the genetic sequences of MHC genes in the Florida manatee. Understanding the genetic variation of MHC genes is important because it may provide insight into the manatees' susceptibility to pathogens and environmental toxins that afflict natural populations. Characterizing a neutral marker of the mtDNA will assess the overall diversity of the population. An analysis of the mtDNA revealed that there was no genetic diversity between the samples characterized. Understanding the genetic differences of both neutral and adaptive markers between individuals in the population is important for the protection of the Florida manatee and the conservation of their habitat and biological corridors.