Genetic structure of a Sahelo-Sudanian bat species Scotophilus leucogaster in West Africa

0389969 - ÚBO 2013 CZ eng A - Abstract
Vallo, Peter - Benda, P. - Červený, J. - Hiller, T. - Uhrin, M. - Reiter, A. - Badu, E. K. - Lučan, R. K. - Oppong, S. K. - Drosten, C. - Koubek, Petr - Tschapka, M.
Genetic structure of a Sahelo-Sudanian bat species Scotophilus leucogaster in West Africa.
Zoologické dny Brno 2013: sborník abstraktů z konference 7.-8. února 2013. Brno: Ústav biologie obratlovců AV ČR, 2013 - (Bryja, J.; Řehák, Z.; Zukal, J.). s. 242. ISBN 978-80-87189-14-6.
[Zoologické dny. 07.02.2013-08.02.2013, Brno]
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : bats * West Africa
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology

The white-bellied house bat Scotophilus leucogaster is a common bat species of the Sahelo-Sudanian zone of West Africa. Preliminary analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome b revealed two main phylogroups existing in sympatry throughout West Africa from Senegal to Benin. A rather low sequence divergence between them of only up to 1.7% indicates lack of taxonomic subdivision within this species. Nevertheless, these two distinct sympatric phylogroups are likely the result of a secondary contact between formerly allopatric populations of this species. Based on genetic variation, geographical distribution of haplotypes and reconstruction of historical demography, we attempt to explain the current genetic pattern and assess the influence of Plio-Pleistocene environmenal changes. High genetic similarity between the West African and the Arabian populations and a virtually non-existing present-day structuring over 5000 km of the species' distribution range suggest that this species represents a rather new element of the northern savannah belt.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0218931