Biology subjects

Silva-Rocha, I.

Publications and source records attributed to Silva-Rocha, I..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Does hybridisation with an invasive species threaten Europe's most endangered reptile? Genomic assessment of Aeolian lizards on Vulcano island

Interspecific hybridisation can be consequential for rare and insular endemic species. The Critically Endangered Aeolian wall lizard, Podarcis raffonei, severely declined due to interactions with the invasive Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus. The largest population of P. raffonei survives on a narrow peninsula (Capo Grosso) that is mildly connected to the island of Vulcano, which has been entirely invaded by P. siculus. Recent observation of individuals with an intermediate phenotype raised concern over the risk that hybridisation might swamp this last stronghold. We genetically characterised lizards from Vulcano using genome-wide SNPs, considering individuals showing multiple phenotypes (native, invasive, and "intermediate"). Hybridisation rate was low ([~]3%), with just two F1 hybrids and two backcrosses. However, pure P. raffonei showed extremely low genetic diversity, a very small effective population size, and a low NE/NC ratio. Management strategies are urgently needed to control invasive species and maintain the genetic diversity of P. raffonei.

evolutionary biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Uncovered genetic diversity in Hemidactylus mabouia (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Madeira Island reveals uncertain sources of introduction

Hemidactylus mabouia is one of the most widely distributed species within its genus. It was first reported to Madeira in 2002 and the first individuals were considered to have originated from Cape Verde. Almost 20 years later, we found that H. mabouia has substantially expanded its distribution and can now be found >10 km away from Funchal, where it was first reported. Based on a 12S phylogenetic analysis and using 29 individuals from Funchal and Camara de Lobos we found that Madeira actually harbours two distinct lineages of H. mabouia: one exclusively South American and another widespread in America and Africa. However, the lack of genetic diversity typical of this species outside its native range and the obtained phylogenetic pattern prevent us to infer possible introduction routes or sources. Our study emphasizes that authorities should remain vigilant regarding the arrival of other non-natives and act to prevent their establishment as soon as they are detected.

evolutionary biology↗