Differentiation of Australian and New Zealand abalone species based on partial mitochondrial gene sequences of 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and ND2 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2)

Partial sequences of mitochondrial ND2 (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2), 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes were obtained from four Australian abalone species and two New Zealand abalone species. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the parsimony method. The resulting phylogenetic trees revealed two clades, one consisting of four Australian abalone species and the other containing two New Zealand abalone species. The possible application of ND2, 12S and 16S sequence for the investigation of abalone poaching is discussed.