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Three natural populations of Kinosternon scorpioides located in the region of Baixada Maranhense were studied in order to quantify and compare levels of diversity and genetic structure using SSR markers. Ten microsatellite loci were validated for analysis in 56 individuals. The observed heterozygosities (Ho) were 0.838; 0.691 and 0.741 and the expected (He) 0.824; 0.819 and 0.815 for the populations of São Bento, Pinheiro and Anajatuba, respectively. AMOVA test showed that 98.97% of the total genetic variation is within populations while 1.03% is among populations. The estimated gene flow of 6,882 corroborates the small population differentiation (FST = 0.044). The populations of São Bento and Pinheiro are closer together genetically, according to the presented grouping analysis. These genetic data are important for the elaboration of strategic actions of management and conservation of the chelonians and especially Kinosternon scorpioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish species of the Centropomus genus are important food resources in Brazil. The species of this group are predators that feed on small fish and benthic invertebrates, and are therefore vulnerable to bioconcentration and the biomagnification of contaminants. As estuaries are continuously impacted by urbanization, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the quality of two brackish environments located in the Ilha do Maranhão, Brazil, by applying the Micronucleus Test with Centropomus undecimalis. Genotoxic lesions were detected in the erythrocytes using this test. Blood samples were collected through punctures of the gills to produce the blood extensions. The smear was stained with modified Rosenfield dye and 2,000 erythrocytes per fish were analyzed. The micronucleus values differed significantly between the two locations in the rainy season, showing that Centropomus undecimalis is more vulnerable to contamination in the Bacanga River Basin. In view of the results, the Micronucleus Test proved to be an effective tool for the evaluation of the environmental quality of areas, and the data generated in the study can contribute to conservation programs by local management authorities, as the biomarker used allows the evaluation of the health of the environment through two organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this prospection was to study the use of molecular markers in turtles. For this, information was obtained on scientific articles in Science Direct, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases as well as on patent documents in INPI, WIPO and EPO databases. Thus, a large number of published studies involving molecular markers were found, although this number is lower when associated with use in turtles. Regarding patents, only one was filed (in 2011), indicating research opportunities in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]