Publication details
Genetic diversity of Eastern African gerbils of genus Gerbilliscus reveals history of Somali-Maasai savanna
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| Year of publication | 2013 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| Citation | |
| Description | Somali-Maasai bioregion is one of the least studied parts of Africa from biogeographical point of view. This region guests specific fauna, including cryptic species, which are detectable mainly by genetic methods. Gerbils represent typical inhabitants of savanna in sub-Saharan Africa and phylogeographical studies of this group may provide detailed insights in the history of this biome. In this study, we performed genetic analysis of the so-called Eastern group of Gerbilliscus that includes four valid species: G. robustus, G. vicinus, G. phillipsi and G. nigricaudus. Using mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear markers (BRCA1), we have detected five main genetic lineages, corresponding to four known taxa and another probably new species from eastern Ethiopia. G. nigricaudus forms the basal lineage, while the evolution of remaining four lineages can be explained by allopatric speciation in savannah refuges. Phylogeographical structure within species has been significantly influenced by the Great Rift Valley lakes and savannah refuges in humid periods of Pleistocene. |