Mitochondrial DNA sequencing of cetaceans and dugong from the Indian seas for their conservation and management

Abstract

Understanding taxonomy is fundamental to conservation efforts of bioresources, The units on which conservation is based are determined largely by species designation. Ambiguous identification of species may lead to erroneous conclusions, which be may more serious than lack of understanding of the population structure and status; for example, conclusions such as loss of genetic variability (e,g,, by unwitting extinction of a species). In cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), morphological features are subtle and difficult to compare because of the rarity of specimens or widespread distributions.