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Mitochondrial DNA supports the identification of two endangered river sharks ( Glyphis glyphis and Glyphis garricki ) across northern Australia

Mitochondrial DNA supports the identification of two endangered river sharks ( Glyphis glyphis... The river sharks (genus Glyphis ) are a small group of poorly known sharks occurring in tropical rivers and estuarine waters across northern Australia, south-east Asia and the subcontinent. The taxonomy of the genus has long been unclear due to very few individuals having been caught and examined, resulting in a paucity of data regarding their distribution, biology and ecology. Only recently has attention focussed on the two Australian species, G. glyphis and G. garricki . This study is a result of a rare opportunity to collate the few samples that have been collected from these species and the bull shark Carcharhinus leucas , which shares an overlapping range. These samples were analysed using the DNA barcoding approach ( cox1 mitochondrial gene), compared with six other species of carcharhinids and evaluated in light of the current taxonomic classification. Nine species-specific nucleotide differences were found between G. glyphis and G. garricki and no intra-specific variation provides strong support for the separation into distinct species. Significant differences were also observed at the inter-generic level, with Glyphis forming a distinct clade from Carcharhinus . This study provides the basis for future molecular studies required to better address conservation issues confronting G. glyphis and G. garricki in Australia. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Marine & Freshwater Research CSIRO Publishing

Mitochondrial DNA supports the identification of two endangered river sharks ( Glyphis glyphis and Glyphis garricki ) across northern Australia

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References (29)

Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Copyright
CSIRO
ISSN
1323-1650
eISSN
1323-1650
DOI
10.1071/MF08201
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The river sharks (genus Glyphis ) are a small group of poorly known sharks occurring in tropical rivers and estuarine waters across northern Australia, south-east Asia and the subcontinent. The taxonomy of the genus has long been unclear due to very few individuals having been caught and examined, resulting in a paucity of data regarding their distribution, biology and ecology. Only recently has attention focussed on the two Australian species, G. glyphis and G. garricki . This study is a result of a rare opportunity to collate the few samples that have been collected from these species and the bull shark Carcharhinus leucas , which shares an overlapping range. These samples were analysed using the DNA barcoding approach ( cox1 mitochondrial gene), compared with six other species of carcharhinids and evaluated in light of the current taxonomic classification. Nine species-specific nucleotide differences were found between G. glyphis and G. garricki and no intra-specific variation provides strong support for the separation into distinct species. Significant differences were also observed at the inter-generic level, with Glyphis forming a distinct clade from Carcharhinus . This study provides the basis for future molecular studies required to better address conservation issues confronting G. glyphis and G. garricki in Australia.

Journal

Marine & Freshwater ResearchCSIRO Publishing

Published: Jun 19, 2009

Keywords: cytochrome oxidase, northern river shark, speartooth shark.

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