Genetic status of an endemic marine mammal, the Australian fur seal, following historical harvesting

摘要: Genetic variation, and the way in which it is partitioned among populations, has implications for a species' survival evolutionary potential. Such information particularly important successful conservation management of species that have experienced past human impacts potential losses genetic diversity. Overharvesting Australian fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus 18th 19th centuries resulted severe population reductions elimination an estimated 17 26 colonies. Currently, subspecies recovering c. 20 000 pups are produced annually at 13 colony sites, most situated Bass Strait south-eastern Australia. analysis samples collected from captured nine colonies revealed no difference allelic diversity or heterozygosity five microsatellite loci differences haplotype within 344 bp region mitochondrial DNA control region. There was some evidence isolation by distance but program structure predicted single cluster individuals. Gene flow appears to be substantial present, indicating currently single, panmictic unit.