BRIDGING IN SITU AND EX SITU CONSERVATION WITH GENOMICS AND STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT: CASE STUDIES OF THE SOUTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN (Batagur affinis) AND THE BURMESE ROOFED TURTLE (Batagur trivittata)

Abstract

Batagur affinis and Batagur trivittata are among the World’s 25 most endangered freshwater turtle species. I examined the only remnant Indochinese population of B. affinis in Cambodia and the only remnant wild population of B. trivittata in Myanmar by utilizing genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms obtained via Double Digest Restriction Associated DNA Sequencing (ddRAD-seq) aiming to determine genetic structure and diversity of these populations, estimate the number of active wild breeders, and genetically manage assurance and reintroduction colonies for both species. As a result, I demonstrated alarmingly low numbers of wild breeders and shallow genetic structure in both populations. Additionally, I examined local attitudes towards B. trivittata conservation by conducting semi-structured surveys in 29 villages located along the upper Chindwin River, where the only wild population occurs and I documented positive attitudes of locals towards the ongoing conservation project. This multi-disciplinary approach promises to enhance current conservation practices of the other endangered turtles and guide future conservation efforts for other endangered species.