Molecular phylogenetics and conservation genetics of sportive lemurs (Lepilemur spp.) in northwestern Madagascar

[no abstract

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomic revision of the sportive lemurs (Lepilemur, Primates)

BACKGROUND: The number of species within the Malagasy genus Lepilemur and their phylogenetic relationships is disputed and controversial. In order to establish their evolutionary relationships, a comparative cytogenetic and molecular study was performed. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) from 68 individuals representing all eight sportive lemur species and most major populations, and compared the results with those obtained from cytogenetic studies derived from 99 specimens. RESULTS: Interspecific genetic variation, diagnostic characters and significantly supported phylogenetic relationships were obtained from the mitochondrial sequence data and are in agreement with cytogenetic information. The results confirm the distinctiveness of Lepilemur ankaranensis, L. dorsalis, L. edwardsi, L. leucopus, L. microdon, L. mustelinus, L. ruficaudatus and L. septentrionalis on species level. Additionally, within L. ruficaudatus large genetic differences were observed among different geographic populations. L. dorsalis from Sahamalaza Peninsula and from the Ambanja/Nosy Be region are paraphyletic, with the latter forming a sister group to L. ankaranensis. CONCLUSION: Our results support the classification of the eight major sportive lemur taxa as independent species. Moreover, our data indicate further cryptic speciation events within L. ruficaudatus and L. dorsalis. Based on molecular data we propose to recognize the sportive lemur populations from north of the Tsiribihina River, south of the Betsiboka River, and from the Sahamalaza Peninsula, as distinct species

Map of study sites, large rivers and the zonation of the eight Inter-River-Systems (IRSs)

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Unexpected species diversity of Malagasy primates (spp.) in the same biogeographical zone: a morphological and molecular approach with the description of two new species"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/7/83</p><p>BMC Evolutionary Biology 2007;7():83-83.</p><p>Published online 31 May 2007</p><p>PMCID:PMC1913500.</p><p></p

Absolute pairwise distances (minimum-maximum and mean) within IRSs, between neighbouring IRSs/species and among the seven already described species

<p><b>Copyright information:</b></p><p>Taken from "Unexpected species diversity of Malagasy primates (spp.) in the same biogeographical zone: a morphological and molecular approach with the description of two new species"</p><p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/7/83</p><p>BMC Evolutionary Biology 2007;7():83-83.</p><p>Published online 31 May 2007</p><p>PMCID:PMC1913500.</p><p></p