Joseph C. Hackler1, Ronald Van Den Bussche1, Joe Roman2, Stanley Fox1, and David M. Leslie Jr.3

The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large aquatic species restricted to drainages of the Gulf of Mexico. In recent decades, populations have declined throughout this turtle’s range due, in part, to unregulated harvest. With growing interest, managers are now looking to develop protocols for conserving this species. Understanding the genetic diversity and structure of M. temminckii populations will assist conservationists in the development of a sound management plan. We assessed haplotypic diversity for M. temminckii in Oklahoma. Results indicated that M. temminckii in Oklahoma possess a previously described haplotype (A). We also used 9 microsatellite loci to examine levels of within and among population variation for M. temminckii from 8 river drainage basins and 2 captive populations. Results indicated significant population-level separation among drainage basins (FST = 0.027) and that drainage basins form distinct management units, with the Suwannee drainage basin being the most distinct genetically and possibly deserving special attention. A sound management plan for M. temminckii will require cooperation among local, state, and federal conservation agencies.
Macrochelys Session Oral, Student

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