The origin of captive Galápagos tortoises based on DNA analysis: implications for the management of natural populations

• DOI: 10.1017/s1367943003003408
• Publication Date: 2003-10-31T00:57:49Z
• Authors: Catherine E. Burns; Claudio Ciofi; Luciano B. Behere...; Thomas H. Fritts; James P. Gibbs; Cruz Márquez; Michel C. Milinko...; Jeffrey R. Powell; Adalgisa Caccone
• Keywords: Archipelago; Captive breeding; mtDNA control region

Abstract Giant tortoises once thrived throughout the Galápagos archipelago, but today three island populations are extinct, only one individual survives from of Pinta, and several critically endangered. We established geographic origin 59 captive housed at Charles Darwin Research Station in Islands an effort to find a mate for sole survivor Pinta (‘Lonesome George’) augment number breeders other imperilled populations. By comparison with extensive database mtDNA control region (CR) haplotypes nine microsatellites, we determined evolutionary individuals. All individuals had CR multilocus microsatellite genotypes identical or closely related known natural No obvious was found Lonesome George, although carrying evolutionarily close geographically distinct haplotype. Tortoises another at‐risk population (San Cristóbal) were also identified. These could be considered as candidates augmentation captive‐breeding programmes exemplify how molecular techniques can provide insights development endangered species management plans.