Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) populations in Sumatra : Genetic diversity and connectivity pattern

Sumatra is part of Indian Ocean population of leatherback turtles. Data of leatherback turtles from Sumatra is unavailable. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity and analyze connectivity pattern of Sumatran leatherback turtle populations based on haplotype variation of control region mtDNA. We used 14 samples from 2 locations in Sumatra (Lohknga and Panga). Haplotypes have been determined by DNA sequencing. Four haplotypes were found from Sumatra. Interestingly, two of four haplotypes are new haplotypes that only found in Sumatra. Sumatra population that has high genetic diversity is Lhoknga, h=0.6 and π=0.0078 followed by Panga h=0.5 and π=0.0026. Connectivity pattern of Sumatran leatherback turtles showed that migration path of this populations reaching to Indian Ocean and South China Sea. South China Sea is important location as interaction place for leatherback turtles from Sumatra and Papua, Indonesia. Sumatran Leatherback turtle is important population of leatherback turtle. It needs good management to protect these populations. Sumatran Leatherback turtles need further studies to obtain the annual population data.