Islands within an island: Population genetic structure of the endemic Sardinian newt, Euproctus platycephalus.

ABSTRACT: The identification of historic and contemporary barriers to dispersal is central to the conservation of endangered amphibians, but may be hindered by their complex life history and elusive nature. The complementary information generated by mitochondrial (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers generates a valuable tool in elucidating population structure and the impact of habitat fragmentation. We applied this approach to the study of an endangered montane newt, Euproctus platycephalus. Endemic to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, it is threatened by anthropogenic activity, disease, and climate change. We have demonstrated a clear hierarchy of structure across genetically divergent and spatially distinct subpopulations. Divergence between three main mountain regions dominated genetic

SUBMITTER: Ball SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5306002 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature