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Genetic structure of endangered lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta in Canada reveals a differentiated population in a precarious habitat
Author(s) -
Hauser Frances E.,
Fontenelle João P.,
Elbassiouny Ahmed A.,
Mandrak Nicholas E.,
Lovejoy Nathan R.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/jfb.14155
Subject(s) - endangered species , biology , genetic diversity , range (aeronautics) , population , habitat , genetic structure , tributary , ecology , mitochondrial dna , conservation genetics , geography , genetics , microsatellite , allele , demography , cartography , materials science , sociology , gene , composite material
We used mitochondrial DNA to assess the genetic structure of endangered lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta across its Canadian range. We found unique mitochondrial haplotypes in Lyons Creek, a tributary of the Niagara River that faces a strong potential for habitat deterioration. Lyons Creek may therefore serve as a reservoir of unique genetic diversity. The sensitivity of Lyons Creek, combined with the genetic uniqueness of its E. sucetta population, call for further investigation into whether this population should be considered a separate designatable unit for conservation purposes.