Independent evolutionary histories in allopatric populations of a threatened Caribbean land mammal

摘要: Aim: To determine the evolutionary history, relationships and distinctiveness of allopatric populations Hispaniolan solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus), a highly threatened Caribbean ‘relict’ mammal, to understand spatio-temporal patterns gene flow distribution diversity across complex large island landscapes inform spatial conservation prioritization. Location: Historical modern-day specimens were analysed from sampling localities Hispaniola, representing this geotectonically island's distinct northern, south-eastern south-western biogeographic provinces. Methods: We successfully amplified mitochondrial cytochrome b control region sequences 34 samples. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses applied assess relationship between these sequence data, coalescent simulation approximate computation used identify which model intra-island demographic history best explains observed variation. also conducted morphometric analysis 110 investigate whether can be differentiated using craniodental characteristics. Results: Unique haplotypes identified in samples each region, with no haplotype sharing regions. Higher marginal posterior probability values found for three-population comprising populations, exceptionally low migration rates inferred all indicating that they are genetically isolated. Modal estimates long-term effective female population size extremely populations. Morphometric differentiation is three Main conclusions: Evolutionary solenodons into congruent several other species, isolation possibly associated past marine transgression. interpret as subspecies, two impoverished southern subspecies particularly vulnerable environmental change. Our improved understanding provides an important baseline identifying wider diversification prioritizing attention evolutionarily significant