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<p>The conservation of marine mammals requires an understanding of the ecological and genetic dynamics that influence their populations, as they can be affected by resource heterogeneity and habitat specialization. This study investigated the population structure and trophic ecology of Peale’s dolphins, <i>Cephalorhynchus australis</i> (synonym <i>Lagenorhynchus australis</i>) across the species distribution in the Southwest Atlantic. Isotopic (δ<sup>13</sup>C and δ<sup>15</sup>N) and genetic (mtDNA control region sequences and 20 microsatellites) analyses were conducted on individuals collected from 6 sampling sites. Peale’s dolphins exhibited strong population structure, with evidence of site fidelity and limited gene flow, as well as isotopic niche partitioning within small geographic areas. These patterns suggest a relationship between feeding strategies and genetic information. Our findings highlight the strong trophic plasticity in the species, suggesting an ability to exploit diverse resources and adapt to local conditions. Given the accelerating impacts of climate change and increasing human activities, we recommend treating each population described from this study as a distinct conservation unit. Future research and management efforts should focus on each unit separately to effectively mitigate potential threats to the species.</p>

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Genetic and ecological population differentiation in Peale’s dolphins

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月25日

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  • Cristian Alberto Durante,
  • Gregory R. McCracken,
  • Miguel A. Iñíguez Bessega,
  • Marta Hevia,
  • Frank Cipriano,
  • Daniel E. Ruzzante,
  • Enrique Alberto Crespo,
  • Rocio Loizaga

摘要

The conservation of marine mammals requires an understanding of the ecological and genetic dynamics that influence their populations, as they can be affected by resource heterogeneity and habitat specialization. This study investigated the population structure and trophic ecology of Peale’s dolphins, Cephalorhynchus australis (synonym Lagenorhynchus australis) across the species distribution in the Southwest Atlantic. Isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) and genetic (mtDNA control region sequences and 20 microsatellites) analyses were conducted on individuals collected from 6 sampling sites. Peale’s dolphins exhibited strong population structure, with evidence of site fidelity and limited gene flow, as well as isotopic niche partitioning within small geographic areas. These patterns suggest a relationship between feeding strategies and genetic information. Our findings highlight the strong trophic plasticity in the species, suggesting an ability to exploit diverse resources and adapt to local conditions. Given the accelerating impacts of climate change and increasing human activities, we recommend treating each population described from this study as a distinct conservation unit. Future research and management efforts should focus on each unit separately to effectively mitigate potential threats to the species.