Global Terrapin Character-Based DNA Barcodes: Assessment of the Mitochondrial COI Gene and Conservation Status Revealed a Putative Cryptic Species

Technological and analytical advances to study evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation of the Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis ssp.) are realised through molecular approaches, including DNA barcoding. We evaluated use COI barcodes in Malaysia’s population better understand species’ genetic divergence other characteristics. 26 sequences, four from field specimens Terrapins obtained Bota Kanan, Perak, Malaysia, Kuala Berang, Terengganu, as well 22 sequences global terrapins previously included Barcode Life Database (BOLD) Systems GenBank. The species divided into three families: eight Geoemydidae (18%), Emydidae (6%), one Pelomedusidae (2%). IUCN Red List assigned 12 sampled for this classifications critically endangered (CR) 25% samples (EN) 8% samples. With new haplotypes world’s terrapins, 16 were found. intraspecific distance values between gene calculated using K2P model, which indicated a potential cryptic Northern baska) affinis). Bayesian analysis phylogenetic tree also showed both same lineage. BLASTn search resulted 100% B. baska. Jalview alignment visualised almost identical species. (B. affinis) west coast Peninsular Malaysia was found share haplotype (Hap_1) India. However, edwardmolli east formed Hap_16. that an excellent way measure diversity population.