Population genetic structure of taimen, Hucho taimen (Pall.), in China

Hucho taimen (Pall.) is one of the largest salmonid species, and has been classified as an endangered species in China since 1998. In recent years, its wild stocks, habitats, and spawning grounds have been severely damaged by environmental degradation and human intervention. To protect and exploit this treasured species effectively and sustainably, the genetic diversity and structure of taimen populations in China was investigated using AFLP, microsatellite markers, and partial sequences of mtDNA genes. This paper summarizes these studies on the genetic diversity and structure of taimen populations in China.