Genetic evidence for occurrence of Macrovipera razii (Squamata, Viperidae) in the central Zagros region, Iran

By

Oraie, Hamzeh

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2020-4-9

Original Publication

Subterranean Biology

Volume

33

Pages

27--30

Subjects

Iran , Macrovipera , mtDNA , new record , Razi’s Viper , taxonomy , Viperidae

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e51186

 

Abstract

This study presents the first molecular evidence of Macrovipera razii from central Zagros, more than 300 km north-west of its prior records in southern Iran. Molecular analyses based on mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences identified the individuals from central Zagros as a lineage of M. razii. Specimens from the new localities are separated by a genetic distance of 1.46% from the known populations of M. razii. The results extend the known distribution range of M. razii as an endemic species of Iran.