Catalina López-Ospina1,2, Vivian P. Paez3,4, Brian C. Bock3,4

Trachemys callirostris callirostris, a species of turtle native to Colombia, considered the most exploited species in the country (Cataño Mora, 2002). There are reports of the eradication of populations in the western Rancheria River of Colombia and in the east to the gulf region of Uraba. Similarly, residents of various areas of Cordoba (conv pers) and Bernal et al. (2004) note that the population densities of T c. callirostris have diminished over time which suggests that the extirpated of populations of this species is a gradual event (Caugley and Gunn, 1996, Parker 1993). During February-May, 2006 morphometric and genetic variability was evaluated in ten populations of Trachemys c. callirostris in the Caribe region of Colombia. The object of this study was to prove that highly hunted populations consist of individuals that are phenotypically smaller and genetic structure. 953 females were captured and measured, four variables were recorded: Straight Length of Shell (LRC), Straight Width of Shell (ARC), Width of Plastron (AP) and Length of Plastron (LP). Twenty (20) tissue samples from each population were taken for analysis of aloenzymes. One of the populations differed morphometrically and genetically from the others. The results were consistent with the pressure from hunting. These results lead us to conclude that anthropomorphic pressure i.e. hunting is affecting the phenotype and genotype of these populations which makes them more vulnerable to stocastic and demographic changes which could bring about the extinction and future disappearance of the species.
Central and South America Session: Oral (Student)

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