Historical translocations by Māori may explain the distribution and genetic structure of a threatened surf clam in Aotearoa (New Zealand).

摘要: The population genetic structure of toheroa (Paphies ventricosa), an Aotearoa (New Zealand) endemic surf clam, was assessed to determine levels inter-population connectivity and test hypotheses regarding life history, habitat distribution in coastal vs. estuarine taxa. Ninety-eight from populations across the length New Zealand were sequenced for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene with analyses suggesting a unique among marine invertebrates. Toheroa diversity high Te Ika-a Māui (the North Island but completely lacking south Waipounamu South Island), indication recent isolation. Changes availability, long distance dispersal events or translocation southern by Māori could explain observed geographic their diversity. Given that early-Māori ancestors, adept at food cultivation relocation, hypothesis is plausible may disjointed modern this species. Translocation would also limited success restoring what some cases be ecologically isolated located outside natural distributions preferred niches.