Population genetics of freshwater turtles

In 2002 we obtained our first grant to conduct studies on the genetic population structure of two freshwater turtle species in northern Colombia.  Using allozyme analyses, both species were shown to exhibit little variation, with no evidence of genetic structure on a micro- and macro-geographic scale.  Our current research employs microsatellites to further inspect for evidence of population structure and conduct analyses of historical demography with these species, as well as document levels of multiple paternity in clutches in various populations.

Publications

Restrepo A, Bock BC, Páez VP. 2008. Genetic variability in the Magdalena River turtle, Podocnemis lewyana (Duméril, 1852), in the Mompos Depression, Colombia. Actualidades Biológicas, 30(89):151-159.

Martínez LM, Bock BC, Páez VP.  2007. Population genetics of the slider turtle (Trachemys scripta callirostris) in the Mompos Depression, Colombia. Copeia, 2007:905-908.