Differences in gene flow in a twofold secondary contact zone of pond turtles in southern Italy (Testudines: Emydidae: Emys orbicularis galloitalica, E. o. hellenica, E. trinacris)

Melita Vamberger, Heiko Stuckas, Francesco Sacco, Stefania D’Angelo, Marco Arculeo, Marc Cheylan, Claudia Corti, Mario Lo Valvo, Federico Marrone, Michael Wink and Uwe Fritz. Zoologica Scripta. Article first published online : 30 JAN 2015, Using virtually range-wide sampling for three pond turtle taxa (Emys orbicularis galloitalica, E. o. hellenica, E. trinacris), we analyse gene flow across their southern Italian contact zone. Based on population genetic analyses of 15 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci and a mitochondrial marker, we show that the general genetic pattern matches well with the current taxon delimitation. Yet, single individuals with conflicting genetic identity suggest translocation of turtles by humans. In addition, we identify in south-western France and the vicinity of Rome populations being heavily impacted by introduced turtles. Leer más.