Stability in the Balkans: phylogeography of the endemic Greek stream frog,Rana graeca

Abstract

We still have little knowledge concerning the phylogeography of amphibians and reptiles from the Balkan Peninsula compared with the other two Mediterranean peninsulas. This raises concerns for endemic taxa from these peninsulas, because it might interfere with further conservation efforts. Here we focus on the endemic Greek stream frog (Rana graeca) and reconstruct its biogeography and evolutionary history. Using four genetic markers (Cytb, 16S, COI and BDNF) in > 350 sequences covering the whole distribution range, we conducted phylogenetic, demographic and ecological niche analyses, which revealed the phylogeography of this species. Surprisingly, this examination of R. graeca reveals a very shallow level of intraspecific genetic variability through the Balkans, with two main, statistically supported lineages having a partly sympatric distribution. The most variable marker was Cytb, which showed 19 haplotypes in 123 analysed sequences in the whole species distribution area. Here presented genetic data, together with the environmental niche projection and demographic analyses suggest that R. graeca was probably affected only marginally by climatic oscillations, with the Hellenides as the most suitable area for the occurrence of the species in different geological periods. This is consistent with the observed genetic diversity, which is mostly related to these mountains. Although the species shows a certain level of phenotypic variability and ecological preferences, this might be related to species plasticity affected by the micro-climatic conditions in small areas, which merits further research. Comparing phylogeography of other amphibian and reptile species in the Balkans, we showed that the observed pattern represents a new view on the phylogeography of the Balkan herpetofauna.

Understanding the Distribution, Behavioural Ecology, and Conservation Status of Asian Pelophylax

“…P. terentievi was restricted to the Amu Darya and Kashka Darya rivers, whereas the P. "Syr Darya" lineage was present in the Syr Darya, Talas, Chu, and Ili River drainage basins. For these lineages, the precipitation of the warmest quarter was of primary importance for the distribution of P. terentievi, and this pattern regulates the distribution of other amphibians, such as Rana graeca in the Balkans [158]. In addition, precipitation of the coldest quarter was important for the P. "Syr Darya" lineage, similar to the variable principally regulating the range of P. kurtmuelleri in Europe [157].…”

Phylogeographic and Paleoclimatic Modelling Tools Improve Our Understanding of the Biogeographic History of Hierophis viridiflavus (Colubridae)

“…This fact could be related to the small sample size available for these subclades, particularly for the central subclade ( n = 16). Alternatively, it could reflect a more stable demography along the history of these subclades, a pattern that is suggested for some Mediterranean amphibians (e.g., Rana graeca , [ 63 ]) and reptiles (e.g., some species of Podarcis , [ 64 ]).…”

Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms reveal recurrent waves of speciation in niche‐pockets, in Europe's most venomous snake

“…More specifically, the topographic relief, especially of the southern and western parts of the peninsula, is extensively shaped by two mountain systems: the Dinarides in the north and the Hellenides, mainly the Pindos Mountain Range (hereafter Pindos), in the south (Figure 1 and Figure S1). These systems act as strong biogeographical barriers and define areas of high species richness and endemism for reptiles and amphibians (Jablonski et al, 2021; Sillero et al, 2014).…”