New phylogeographic insights for the Saurodactylus brosseti species complex: range extensions and additional contact zones among evolutionary lineages

Morocco is a major biodiversity hotspot for reptiles in the Western Palearctic, yet it remains underexplored due to the remoteness and difficult access to some regions within the country. Several studies have revealed high genetic diversity and cryptic species complexes. Five evolutionary lineages of lizard-fingered geckos have been identified within the Saurodactylus brosseti species complex, later classified as separate species. In this study, we sequenced two mitochondrial markers (12S and ND4) of geckos from 14 new localities to better characterise their distribution and identify putative contact zones in the Anti-Atlas and Drâa Valley regions. Phylogeographic results extend the western range limit of S. slimanii and S. splendidus by ~150 km and ~110 km respectively and pinpoint two potential contact zones between these species and S. brosseti and S. harrisii. These findings will guide evolutionary studies on speciation and hybridization within this species complex.