Animal Biodiversity and Conservation. Volum 49.1 (2026) Pàgines: e0007-

Unravelling the hybridisation patterns of Abrolhos’ sea turtles

Figueiredo Morais, J., Souza Arantes, L., Rodrigues Santos, F.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2026.49.0007

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Resum

Hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles form interspecific hybrids on the Brazilian beaches much more frequently than in any other part of the world. We have characterised the turtle population of the Abrolhos Archipelago (Brazil), by comparing the genetic profiles of hatchlings to assess their introgression level and the reproductive preference of parental females. We genotyped four species-specific nuclear markers in sea turtle hatchlings, including multiple siblings from the same nests. Our data revealed multiple paternity mates and backcrosses between hybrids and both parental species. We also show compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis that male hybrids can generate descendants. It also highlights the unpredictable mating behaviour of sea turtle hybrids, which can reproduce with either hybrids or parental species.

Paraules clau

Hawksbills, Loggerheads, Multiple paternity, Conservation genetics, Introgression

Cita

Figueiredo Morais, J., Souza Arantes, L., Rodrigues Santos, F., 2026. Unravelling the hybridisation patterns of Abrolhos’ sea turtles. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 49: e0007-, DOI: https://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2026.49.0007