| Abstract |
The impact of existing conservation measures of Syngnathiformes (seahorses, pipefishes and their relatives) species in Southern, Philippines was assessed for effective species management strategies. Portion of the mitochondrial control region (mtCR) and 12S rRNA gene were utilized as molecular markers for DNA barcoding. Phylogenetic inference identified and clustered species in appropriate branches. Hippocampus kuda, was identified as a species complex for smooth seahorses, forming three (3) clusters, having 18 haplotypes and for the first time H. capensis and H. casscsio were recorded based on molecular data. For seahorses, there was high haplotype diversity (h=28; Hd=0.943) yet low nucleotide diversity value (Pi:0.18095) which suggests small differences among haplotypes. Neutrality indices calculated by Tajima芒聙聶s D (-2.00774), with P<0.05 and Fu芒聙聶s Fs (-11.645), were significant and both tests were negative which is a signature of rapid population expansion of seahorses from a small effective population size brought about by heavy harvests and habitat destruction in the past. As for pipefishes and other syngnathiformes, there was high haplotype diversity of (h=22; Hd=0.875) and low nucleotide diversity of Pi: 0.16671. However, neutrality indices calculated by Tajima芒聙聶s D (-1.68518), was not significant with P>0.05 and Fu芒聙聶s Fs (11.549), which indicate balancing selection. Recent population expansion as exhibited by seahorses, proves that current conservation measures are effectively working in safeguarding populations while, balancing selection maintains genetic polymorphism in pipefishes and their relatives making them resilient to changing environment. Intraspecific variation based on mitochondrial DNA signature and haplotype networks warrants distinct management units for conservation. |
Mindanao State
University - Iligan Institute of Technology