High haplotype diversity in a microendemic Malagasy gecko species, Lygodactylm mirabilis (Pasteur, 1962)

摘要

Among Malagasy montane reptiles, the diurnal gecko Lygodactylus mirabilis has one of the most restricted distribution ranges, occurring only on the Tsiafajavona mountain on the Ankaratra massif. Here we report data on the current distribution of thisspecies and its genetic diversity. Mitochondrial data based on samples collected in the only previously known distribution area (the Tsiafajavona peak) showed numerous haplotypes at low frequencies, suggesting a past population expansion and a relativelyhigh within-species genetic diversity in an extremely small distribution area. Our field survey also revealed that the range of the species is larger than previously thought, but still is extremely small and restricted to the Ankaratra massif.