Defining Evolutionary Conservation Units in the Macedonian Crested Newt, Triturus macedonicus (Amphibia; Salamandridae), in a Biodiversity Hotspot

Author:

Danelis Taxiarchis1,Theodoropoulos Anagnostis1,Toli Elisavet-Aspasia1ORCID,Bounas Anastasios1ORCID,Korakis Athanasios2,Sotiropoulos Konstantinos1

Affiliation:

1. Molecular Ecology and Conservation Genetics Lab, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, GR 451 10 Ioannina, Greece

2. Management Unit of Northern Pindos National Park, NECCA, Aspraggeloi 44007 Municipality of Zagori, 45221 Ioannina, Greece

Abstract

In this study, we used genetic approaches to assess the conservation status of a protected amphibian species, the Macedonian crested newt, Triturus macedonicus, in Northern Pindos National Park (Epirus, Greece). Mitochondrial DNA sequences and multilocus genotypes of individuals from 38 breeding sites were used to infer their phylogenetic position and to detect and measure genetic variation patterns, population genetic structure, and levels of gene flow. The examined individuals fell within two major clades of the Macedonian crested newt phylogeny, being geographically separated by the Aoos River valley and Vikos Gorge. Both groups constitute separate gene pools, bearing private haplotypes and alleles, and the groups were found to be highly differentiated in both their mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. Thus, they meet all of the criteria needed to be characterized as evolutionary significant units (ESUs) that deserve a separate conservation status. Within each ESU, the particularly high inter-population differentiation and low migration rates imply a lack of connectivity between breeding sites and local isolation in favorable habitats. Our results can inform future programs and actions towards the conservation and management of the Macedonian crested newt in the area.

Funder

Management Agency of Northern Pindos National Park

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Nature and Landscape Conservation,Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous),Ecological Modeling,Ecology

Reference125 articles.

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