Polyandry in the red-headed river turtle Podocnemis erythrocephala (Testudines, Podocnemididae) in the Brazilian Amazon.

Abstract

The genus Podocnemis comprises six living species, including P. erythrocephala (irapuca-red-headed river turtle). Data are available concerning the reproductive biology of the species of the genus Podocnemis, but little is known about their reproductive strategies. Considering the total lack of such data for P. erythrocephala, and with the goal of contributing information on their mode of reproduction, we examined the relationships among individuals of nests of this turtle, using microsatellite markers. Using four microsatellite loci, we analyzed the progeny in six nests from two localities in the Brazilian Amazon (Santa Isabel do rio Negro and Parintins). All juveniles from each nest were analyzed. The genotypes of each juvenile from each nest were identified, and because a sample of female DNA was not available, the maternal genotype was inferred from homozygous individuals in each nest. We found that this species is promiscuous; there was multiple paternity in five of the six nests analyzed. In addition to being important for the understanding of evolutionary and genetic processes, this type of information will be useful for chelonian management projects. Our data suggest one possible difference between reproductive patterns of the different populations. This multi-paternal condition may be a natural reproductive strategy for the preservation of the genetic diversity of this species.