Genotypes and nematode infestations in an endangered lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis

Authors: Smith, Annabel L.; Fenner, Aaron L.; Bull, C. Michael; Gardner, Michael G.

Source: Applied Herpetology, Volume 6, Number 3, 2009 , pp. 300-305(6)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

We used data from 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the endangered pygmy bluetongue lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis, to examine genetic signals of intestinal parasite infestation. 30% of 70 individuals had detectable infestations of the nematode parasite Pharyngodon wandillahensis. We found no evidence that higher levels of heterozygosity promoted parasite resistance, and there were no significant associations between 50 common alleles and infestation status. Although neutral markers are a potentially useful conservation tool for studying the risk of parasitism in species of conservation concern, we did not detect any association in the studied host-parasite system.

Keywords: CONSERVATION; HETEROZYGOSITY; MICROSATELLITES; NEMATODE; REPTILE; TILIQUA ADELAIDENSIS

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/157075408X386150

Affiliations: 1: School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University of South Australia GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia

Publication date: 2009-07-01