Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 76 (1): 99-104, 2003
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Genetic variability and structure in two populations of Vicugna vicugna
(Camelidae) from northern Chile
Two populations of Vicugna vicugna from regions First and Second of Chile
were studied on the basis of the electrophoretic determination of 28 presumptive loci. Due to the phenotypic differences between the
populations mentioned above, this kind of study is required to determine some parameters like taxonomic status, genetic variability and
population structure in order to help in conservation management of the specie. The percentage of polymorphism and the level of
heterozigosity of vicuñas from the First region were 17.8 % and 0.078, respectively. The corresponding figures of vicuñas from the
Second were 14.3 % and 0.045, respectively. These two parameters show that the two populations have a high degree of genetic
variability. High level of demic substructuring (F<sub>ST</sub> = 0,324) and significant degree of genic and
genotypic differentiation between populations was found. Genetic drift and polygamy mating system are suggested like promoters of
the observed genetic differences. The sub specific status suggested by morphological differences was not confirmed by the genetic
distance value (0.097).
Key words:
Vicugna
vicugna, genetic variability, population structure, population differentiation
