Restriction analysis of mitochondrial DNA from the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus: implications for management

The extent of mitochondrial DNA divergence between populations of the vulnerable yellow-footed rock-wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus, was assessed by restriction analysis. Of the 15 restriction endonucleases, five were informative, with a single unique haplotype identified in P. x. celeris from Queensland (Qld) (n = 8) and a further two unique haplotypes in three sampled populations of P. x. xanthopus from New South Wales (NSW) (n = 1) and South Australia (SA) (n = 9). The two subspecies of P. xanthopus were found to be genetically distinct (average sequence divergence = 0.72%). As this divergence is greater than that found between some Petrogale species, it is recommended that populations of P. x. xanthopus and P. x. celeris be managed independently both in captivity and the wild. The NSW population of P. x. xanthopus appears genetically similar to those in SA, although these data are limited.