|
Vol. 53, 2014
A widespread problem: cryptic diversity in the Libyan jird
Timothy
C Bray1,2*, Abdulaziz N Alagaili1,3 and Nigel C
Bennett1,2
1KSU
Mammals Research Chair, Department of Zoology, King Saud University,
Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
2Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of
Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
3Saudi Wildlife Authority, Riyadh 11575, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: The Libyan jird, Meriones libycus, is described as occurring
from Morocco to the Mongolian plateau. Three subspecies are known from
morphological determinations but not genetic data. We used museum
collection locations to create a niche model of the most likely
suitable habitat for this species within its potential extent. Using
samples collected from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we examined genetic
diversity including available samples from China and Tunisia, providing
the first genetic overview of this species.
Results: Mitochondrial cytochrome b data showed that genetic
differentiation between Arabian and other sampling locations of M. libycus is less than the lineage
separation seen in Meriones meridianus and greater than that in Meriones tamariscinus. The Arabian lineage
investigated here is clearly distinct from the Chinese Meriones libycus
erythrourus and Tunisian Meriones
libycus syrius, the latter subspecies being
previously suggested to occur in the sampling area.
Conclusions: We suggest further
investigation to ascertain whether the lineage represented here is
Arabian Meriones libycus arimalius or a different lineage
entirely. We further question the reliability of previous morphological
descriptions for producing specific determinations in Meriones and
related taxa.
Key words: Arabia; Meriones libycus; Phylogenetics; Rodent.
*Correspondence: E-mail: tim_c_bray@hotmail.com
|
