Genetic introgression and hybridization in Antillean freshwater turtles (Trachemys) revealed by coalescent analyses of mitochondrial and cloned nuclear markers

► Coalescent analyses of cloned nuclear alleles provide species and gene trees. ► Mismatched alleles suggest hybridization from natural and anthropogentic contact. ► Intermediate morphology and biogeography support hybridization over ILS. ► Five contacts zones among Caribbean freshwater turtles are revealed. ► Prehistoric and ongoing exploitation of turtles result in lineage reticulations.