Molecular Genetic Identification of Beached Whales in Sri Lanka from Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Data

Abstract

In the current study we attempt to identify eight baleen whale carcasses that were washed ashore to the Western, Northwestern and Southern coasts of Sri Lanka in 2010, using molecular phylogenetic techniques. Initial physical examination suggested that these carcasses belonged to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial control region from baleen whales confirmed that the samples belonged to blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). However, it was impossible to identify the population of blue whales the individuals belonged to, due to the lack of strong population genetic signals in the mitochondrial control region sequences.Ceylon Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (2): 73-78, 2014