BMC Biology (2007)
Understanding the role of seascape in shaping genetic and demographic population structure is highly challenging for marine pelagic species such as cetaceans for which there is generally little evidence of…
Understanding the role of seascape in shaping genetic and demographic population structure is highly challenging for marine pelagic species such as cetaceans for which there is generally little evidence of…
The distribution of harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena in southern Europe and along the Atlantic African coast is poorly understood, with tentative assessments suggesting a discrete West African population with a…
The harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena experiences high rates of incidental mortality in commercial fisheries, and in some areas these rates are sufficiently high to justify concern over population sustainability. Given…
The harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena experiences high rates of incidental mortality in commercial fisheries, and in some areas these rates are sufficiently high to justify concern over population sustainability. Given…
Little is known about the biology of Burmeister’s porpoises (Phocoena spinipinnis), a small cetacean species endemic to South American waters. Information on stock structure, however, is urgently needed, as the…
Understanding the population genetic structure is a prerequisite for conservation of a species. The degree of genetic variability characteristic of the mitochondrial DNA control region has been widely exploited in…
The taxonomic status of the 2 morphologically distinct forms of Dall's porpoises, Phocoenoides dalli (dalli- and truei-type) remains unresolved. To address this uncertainty, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences were used to…
The known geographical distribution (based on ship surveys, aerial surveys, incidental sightings, stranding and bycatch data) and the population genetic structure obtained from mitochondria DNA and nuclear DNA (isozymes and…
Wide-ranging methods that have been used to determine population structure, including distribution, life history, biology, ecological factors such as diet and contaminant loads, morphology and genetics, are reviewed. The importance…
Documented sightings of harbour porpoises in the Mediterranean are rare, although the species is common in the neighbouring North Atlantic and Black Sea. However, in the past 2 decades, 4…