Species distinction and evolutionary relationships of the Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus) as described by mitochondrial DNA sequencing

摘要: The taxonomic status of the Italian hare Lepus corsicanus has been uncertain since its first description by W. E. de Winton in 1898 (de WE. Annual Magazine Natural History, London, 1898, 1, 149-158). distribution range this species shrunk severely over last few decades owing to overhunting and restocking with nonindigenous brown hares (L. europaeus) central southern Italy Sicily. Recently, scanty populations were rediscovered, samples for morphological molecular analyses collected. Nucleotide sequences mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region cytochrome b indicate that L. is a phylogenetically distinct species, which can be identified concordant mtDNA traits. It seems reproductively isolated apparently does not hybridize sympatric hares. Phylogenetic suggest are closely related sister taxa, but belong evolutionary lineages dispersed western Europe different periods during early Pleistocene. probably differentiated refuges glaciation. Comparative mismatch distributions have had demographic histories Pleistocene, resulted phylogeographical structuring hares, mountain timidus) an endangered endemism needs urgent conservation efforts.