Alborz Heritage: Geographic distribution and genetic differentiation of the Iranian Paradactylodon (Amphibia: Hynobiidae)
Faraham Ahmadzadeh
Golya Shahrokhi
Reihaneh Saberi-Pirooz
Mahshid Oladi
Mehrnaz Taati
Nikolay A. Poyarkov
Dennis Rödder
10.6084/m9.figshare.12376772.v1
https://brill.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Alborz_Heritage_Geographic_distribution_and_genetic_differentiation_of_the_Iranian_Paradactylodon_Amphibia_Hynobiidae_/12376772
<p><i>Paradactylodon,</i> a genus of Hynobiidae, is distributed
in mountainous regions of the Middle East. This genus comprises three species, <i>Paradactylodon
mustersi</i> (Afghanistan), <i>Paradactylodon persicus,</i> and<i> Paradactylodon gorganensis
</i>(Iran). Initially, <i>P. persicus </i>was reported from Talysh Mountains, and afterward,
<i>P. gorganensis</i> was described from the eastern Alborz
Mountains. Although these two Iranian <i>Paradactylodon </i>species were distinguished based on
morphological features, there are arguments about their systematic status. In
this contribution, 30 samples of hynobiid salamanders were collected from Talysh and Alborz Mountains and the phylogenetic relationship between the two species
was assessed using two mtDNA markers (COI and 16S). Additionally, in order to
survey the potential habitat suitability for the species, Species Distribution
Models (SDMs) were performed and projected on climate scenarios that reflect
current and past (6<b> </b>ky and 21<b> </b>ky before present) conditions. Our results indicated
that <i>P. gorganensis</i> is nested
within <i>P. persicus</i>. Overall, both
SDM and molecular analyses suggest that the Iranian <i>Paradactylodon</i>
population was affected by the Quaternary glacial period, and according to
haplotype networks, haplotype diversity was higher in the western part of the distribution
range of the species. Given the low genetic distance among all samples, we
suggest <i>P. gorganensis</i> be synonymized with <i>P. persicus.</i> Considering the conservational values and numerous threats that this
endemic species is facing, we encourage a revision of the IUCN
Red List category of the species immediately. <b></b></p>
2020-06-10 05:56:41
Alborz Mountains
Iran
mtDNA
Paradactylodon persicus
salamander
Species Distribution Models (SDMs)
Ecology not elsewhere classified