Characterization of the Genetic Diversity of Trachemys dorbigni and Phrynops hilarii

The utilization of RAPD and ISSR molecular markers is proposed to initiate studies of genetic variability in Phrynops hilarii（Chelidae） and Trachemys dorbigni（Emydidae）, two species of fresh water turtles distributed in South America. Three primers of RAPD and four of ISSR were selected and the amplified products of these markers were evaluated by electrophoretic runs in agarose and polyacrylamide gels. The levels of heterozygosity, Shannon index and different allele numbers were slightly higher in P. hilarii for both types of markers. Levels of polymorphism were also higher in P. hilarii than T. dorbigni and both were elevated compared to those recorded for other species. The fact that similar results were obtained with both types of markers for all estimates of diversity highlights the usefulness and validity of the RAPD technique. The molecular markers used were found potentially useful for analysing future temporal and spatial distribution of genetic diversity in both species, expanding scales work.

Impacts of brood parasitism by shiny cowbird Molothrus bonariensis on the breeding success of a small host, the black-backed water tyrant Fluvicola albiventer

The shiny cowbird Molothrus bonariensis parasitizes many species with different life-history traits and has a detrimental effect on the survival of the progeny of the hosts.In response,hosts have developed numerous antiparasitic defenses.Here,we examined the effects of brood parasitism by shiny cowbird on the clutch and brood sizes(83 nests)in a small host,the black-backed water tyrant Fluvicola albiventer.We also studied whether the death of parasite nestlings was related to the care of the foster parents and whether the host had any antiparasitic defense against the shiny cowbird.Our results indicate that brood parasitism significantly decreased the host hatching and fledging successes.The majority of nest failures(57%)were caused by brood parasitism.Shiny cowbird parasitism occurred in 52%of nests and the intensity of parasitism was 1.23±0.53 eggs per parasitized nest.Of the total host eggs,54%were damaged.During the incubation stage,20 nests(47%)were abandoned because of egg punctures by shiny cowbirds females.Only two parasitic fledglings were recorded,while the remaining nestlings either died from starvation(n=12)or predation(n=3).Foster parents abandoned parasitic nestlings between 5 and 10 days old.Our findings demonstrate that the shiny cowbird has very low rates of fledging success when parasitizing black-backed water tyrant.Also,parasitism had a high reproductive cost in the black-backed water tyrant because a very low proportion(7%)of the parasitized nests(n=43)were successful.