Island survivors: population genetic structure and demography of the critically endangered giant lizard of La Gomera, Gallotia bravoana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The giant lizard of La Gomera (Gallotia bravoana), is an endemic lacertid of this Canary Island that lives confined to a very restricted area of occupancy in a steep cliff, and is catalogued as Critically Endangered by IUCN. We present the first population genetic analysis of the wild population as well as of captive-born individuals (for which paternity data are available) from a recovery center. Current genetic variability, and inferred past demographic changes were determined in order to discern the relative contribution of natural versus human-mediated effects on the observed decline in population size.

Results

Genetic analyses indicate that the only known natural population of the species shows low genetic diversity and acts as a single evolutionary unit. Dem

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4254221 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature