Multiple origins of the common chameleon in southern Italy

By

Basso, Roberto
Vannuccini, Maria Luisa
Nerva, Luca
Mazza, Giuseppe
Seno, Matteo
Mori, Emiliano

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019-5-13

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

32

Pages

11--19

Subjects

16S rRNA gene , Chamaeleo chamaeleon , Mediterranean countries , paleo-introduction , population origin

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e35611

 

Abstract

The common chameleonChamaeleochamaeleonis a Mediterranean lizard which has been introduced in many islands and its native origin in European countries is debated. Chameleons have been introduced in southern Italy, possibly from the Middle East and Tunisia. We conducted genetic analyses on mitochondrial DNA 16S gene on a larger sample. We observed a multiple origin for the Salento (Apulia, southern Italy) population, with individuals phylogenetically related to populations of North Africa and two areas in the Middle East. Some individuals may have been released before the 1950s and some others in the 1980s, improving the establishment success of this species.