Genetic Status Of The Spotted Seals Phoca Largha In Liaodong Bay Based On Mitochondrial DNA

Genetic variability is an important component in the ability of the species to adapt the environmental change. Little is known about the genetic status of spotted seal in China, the only pinniped that breeds in Liaodong Bay. Information on genetic diversity is urgently needed, considered to have a declining population and the estimated size of spotted seal in Liaodong Bay is about 1000 individuals. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence data are used to investigate the current status of genetic diversity in this species. Sequence data are obtained from 20 individuals, describing 9 haplotypes. The haplotypes have very low levels of varieties and the haplotype and nucleotide diversity is 0.8579 +/- 0.0611 and 0.003361 +/- 0.002227, respectively. Moreover, we compare the results with the previously published data from seals collected from Japan along the Coast of Hokkaido and discuss their genetic differentiation. AMOVA results provide significant level of genetic subdivision between populations in Liaodong Bay and Japan, showing that they have little or no genetic flow. Overall, the genetic data reported here considerably strengthen the need for conservation efforts focused on the spotted seal in China. Increased sample size in Liaodong Bay and additional sampling from other breeding areas for further research are needed to clarify the genetic relationship among them. Furthermore, confirmation of the perceived pattern of genetic diversity and population structure using a nuclear marker is recommended to validate conservation monitoring and management.