Phylogeography of the endangered Otago skink, Oligosoma otagense: population structure, hybridisation and genetic diversity in captive populations.

摘要: Climatic cooling and substantial tectonic activity since the late Miocene have had a pronounced influence on evolutionary history of fauna New Zealand's South Island. However, many species recently experienced dramatic range reductions due to habitat fragmentation introduction mammalian predators competitors. These anthropogenic impacts been particularly severe in tussock grasslands Otago region. The skink (Oligosoma otagense), endemic region, is one most critically endangered vertebrates Zealand. We use mitochondrial DNA sequence data investigate skink, examine its population genetic structure, assess level diversity individuals captive breeding program. Our indicate that diverged from closest relatives Miocene, consistent with commencement uplift Southern Alps. there evidence for past introgression scree (O. waimatense) northern Otago-southern Canterbury remnant populations eastern western are estimated mid-Pliocene, no haplotypes shared between these two regions. This divergence accounts 95% species. Within both regions strong structure among populations, although generally evident adjacent localities. Although present population, all originate region majority were not intensively managed at Macraes Flat. should continue be regarded as separate management units. Knowledge stock will act inform contribute key recovery action