Date of Award
4-3-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Philosophy (MPHIL)
Discipline
Environmental Science
First Advisor
Prof. FONG Jonathan
Abstract
Turtles are one of the most threatened animal groups in the world, with 51.3% of the turtle species categorized as globally threatened (critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Overexploitation for the food and pet trade is the main threat, especially for turtles in Asia. In Hong Kong, all five native freshwater turtles are listed as endangered species locally. This study will focus on two species, the Big-headed Turtle (Platysternon megacephalum) and Beale’s Eyed Turtle (Sacalia bealei). Some of the world’s remaining wild populations of P. megacephalum and S. bealei are in Hong Kong. With relatively healthy populations in Hong Kong, we have a unique opportunity to perform population genomics studies of these species to understand their evolutionary history and guide conservation.
In this study, I provide insight into the population genomics of two endangered freshwater turtles by using double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). ddRADseq is a powerful genomic method that obtains tens of thousands of SNPs randomly across the genome, providing high resolution population genomic data. With these data, I aim to contribute to turtle conservation by developing evidence-based conservation recommendations, especially genetically guiding captive breeding programmes and reintroduction of individuals from wildlife seizures.
In Chapter 1, I provide a general introduction to turtles of the world, conservation status and threats in Asia. I also briefly introduce the turtle species of Hong Kong, provide review of conservation genomic of turtles, and introduce the ddRADseq method. In Chapter 2, I examine the population structure of S. bealei from Fujian Province and Hong Kong, and infer the origin of the individuals from an ex situ breeding colony. In Chapter 3, I examine the population structure of the P. megacephalum from Myanmar and southeastern China, and infer the origin of a reintroduced population in Hong Kong. In Chapter 4, I summarise the major findings of each chapter and suggest applications to conservation the two study species.
Language
English
Copyright
The copyright of this thesis is owned by its author. Any reproduction, adaptation, distribution or dissemination of this thesis without express authorization is strictly prohibited.
Recommended Citation
Lee, W. H. (2024). Conservation genomics of endangered turtles: The Big-headed Turtle and the Beale's Eyed Turtle (Master's thesis, Lingnan University, Hong Kong). Retrieved from https://commons.ln.edu.hk/otd/212/