Phylogeography and conservation genetics of the common wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, on islands at its northern range.

ABSTRACT: Populations at range limits are often characterized by lower genetic diversity, increased genetic isolation and differentiation relative to populations at the core of geographical ranges. Furthermore, it is increasingly recognized that populations situated at range limits might be the result of human introductions rather than natural dispersal. It is therefore important to document the origin and genetic diversity of marginal populations to establish conservation priorities. In this study, we investigate the phylogeography and genetic structure of peripheral populations of the common European wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, on Jersey (Channel Islands, UK) and in the Chausey archipelago. We sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene in 200 individuals of P. muralis to infer

SUBMITTER: Michaelides S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4319766 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature