Historical translocations by Māori may explain the distribution and genetic structure of a threatened surf clam in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

The population genetic structure of toheroa ( Paphies ventricosa ), an Aotearoa (New Zealand) endemic surf clam, was assessed to determine levels of inter-population connectivity and test hypotheses regarding life history, habitat distribution and connectivity in coastal vs. estuarine taxa. Ninety-e...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2018-11, Vol.8 (1), p.17241-8, Article 17241
Main Authors: Ross, Philip M., Knox, Matthew A., Smith, Shade, Smith, Huhana, Williams, James, Hogg, Ian D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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Cytochrome-c oxidase
Dispersal
Genetic analysis
Genetic diversity
Genetic structure
Geographical distribution
Habitat availability
Habitat changes
Humanities and Social Sciences
Life history
Marine invertebrates
Mitochondria
multidisciplinary
Niches
Population genetics
Relocation
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Surf
Translocation
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Summary:The population genetic structure of toheroa ( Paphies ventricosa ), an Aotearoa (New Zealand) endemic surf clam, was assessed to determine levels of inter-population connectivity and test hypotheses regarding life history, habitat distribution and connectivity in coastal vs. estuarine taxa. Ninety-eight toheroa from populations across the length of New Zealand were sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene with analyses suggesting a population genetic structure unique among New Zealand marine invertebrates. Toheroa genetic diversity was high in Te Ika-a Māui (the North Island of New Zealand) but completely lacking in the south of Te Waipounamu (the South Island), an indication of recent isolation. Changes in habitat availability, long distance dispersal events or translocation of toheroa to southern New Zealand by Māori could explain the observed geographic distribution of toheroa and their genetic diversity. Given that early-Māori and their ancestors, were adept at food cultivation and relocation, the toheroa translocation hypothesis is plausible and may explain the disjointed modern distribution of this species. Translocation would also explain the limited success in restoring what may in some cases be ecologically isolated populations located outside their natural distributions and preferred niches.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-35564-4