Genetic diversity within species of Ophisops (Reptilia, Lacertidae) from the Maghreb

By

Harris, D James
Bouam, Idriss
Ferreira, A. Isabel

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025-8-7

Original Publication

Herpetozoa

Volume

38

Pages

205--210

Subjects

16S rRNA , Algeria , MC1R , Morocco , Ophisops elegans , Ophisops occidentalis , phylogeography , Tunisia

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e153941

 

Abstract

Previous phylogeographic assessments within species of the lacertid genus Ophisops have consistently revealed high levels of genetic diversity, suggestive of multiple cryptic species complexes. The snake-eyed lizard Ophisops elegans, endemic to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, is no exception, although specimens of the North African endemic Ophisops occidentalis from Libya were not distinct from sympatric O. elegans individuals based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers. However, the most westerly populations of these two species from Morocco and Algeria were not assessed. Here, we analyzed partial 16S rRNA mtDNA sequences and partial MC1R nuclear sequences from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia for comparison with previously published data. Our estimates of relationships based on both markers support the hypothesis that all North African populations form a clade, consistent with an east-to-west colonization pattern across this region. Additional mtDNA sublineages were identified, further highlighting genetic diversity in remote areas. While the genetic data indicate that a single species should be recognized in North Africa, high diversity within O. elegans across the remainder of its range still requires further investigation prior to a taxonomic revision differentiating taxa within this species complex.