Phylogeography and postglacial colonization of Central Europe by Anguis fragilis and Anguis colchica

0483995 - ÚBO 2018 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Jablonski, D. - Najbar, B. - Grochowalska, R. - Gvoždík, Václav - Strzała, T.
Phylogeography and postglacial colonization of Central Europe by Anguis fragilis and Anguis colchica.
Amphibia-Reptilia. Roč. 38, č. 4 (2017), s. 562-569. ISSN 0173-5373. E-ISSN 1568-5381
Institutional support: RVO:68081766
Keywords : Anguidae * contact zone * haplotype distribution * mitochondrial DNA * Poland * slow worms * Squamata
OECD category: Zoology
Impact factor: 1.105, year: 2017

Five slow-worm species are distributed in the Palearctic region. Two species, Anguis fragilis and A. colchica, are native to Central Europe, where only limited information on the phylogeography of the genus exists. Here, we examined the situation in Poland and surrounding regions, where a mitochondrial contact zone between the species is expected. We used new mitochondrial DNA sequences and available published data from Central Europe and the northern Balkans. Haplotypes of both species were recorded in the study area. Anguis fragilis is represented by a single haplogroup, while A. colchica by three haplogroups. This suggests four independent sources/ refugia for postglacial colonization of northern Central Europe. The mitochondrial contact zone seems to mirror the borders between lowlands of the North European Plain and East European Plain, and the south-eastern Poland uplands, while the Vistula River does not constitute a barrier. The presence of both species, A. fragilis and A. colchica, in Poland should also be considered for protection by the Polish conservation legislation.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0279166