Journal article
Very low rate of multiple paternity detected in clutches of a wild agamid lizard
J Hacking, D Stuart-Fox, M Gardner
Australian Journal of Zoology | CSIRO PUBLISHING | Published : 2017
DOI: 10.1071/ZO18006
Abstract
Genetic mating systems described for squamate reptiles range from primarily monogamous to completely polygynandrous. The presence of female multiple mating is almost ubiquitous among squamates and even occurs, albeit at a low rate, in socially monogamous species. Here we examine the genetic mating system of the territorial tawny dragon lizard (Ctenophorus decresii). Paternity was assigned to captive-born hatchlings using eight microsatellite loci, revealing a 4% rate of multiple paternity. One-quarter of males sired more than one clutch, although multiple mating by males is likely underestimated. The rate of multiple paternity in C. decresii represents one of the lowest among squamates and m..
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Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
We thank Tessa Bradford for assistance with laboratory work and Claire McLean for advice on microsatellite markers. We are grateful for the guidance on captive hatching methodology provided by Katrina Rankin. The Flinders University Animal House staff and volunteers provided assistance with animal husbandry, for which we are thankful. We also thank volunteers that helped with field work. This work was funded by the Holsworth wildlife research endowment, the Linnean Society of New South Wales and the Field Naturalists Society of South Australia, awarded to JH, and an Australian Research Council grant (DP1092908) awarded to DSF. All methods were approved by Flinders University Animal Welfare Committee (E379) and the South Australian Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (permit no. U26225). We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which lizards were sampled and all field work at the Yourambulla Caves Aboriginal Heritage site was approved by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association.