Cryptic diversity of Rhinolophus lepidus in South Asia and differentiation across a biogeographic barrier

Abstract

Peninsular India is an important region for mammalian diversification and harbors major biogeographic barriers. However, little is known about the role of this region in the diversification of bats though it harbors high chiropteran diversity. In this study, we used phenotypic, acoustic, and genetic markers to assess the diversification of Rhinolophus lepidus bats in South Asia. We first investigated if peninsular India is associated with speciation of R. lepidus. Further, we tested if the Palghat Gap acts as a biogeographic barrier to gene flow in Highlights• Multi-locus genetic data revealed cryptic diversity in Rhinolophus bat within peninsular India. • Latitudinal variation in phenotype of R. lepidus was detected.• Coalescent modelling revealed that populations of R. lepidus across the biogeographic barrier of Palghat Gap have remained isolated since the mid-Holocene. • Our results highlight the importance of peninsular India in biotic diversification and present rare evidence of the differentiation of montane populations of volant mammals across the Palghat Gap.

A Look inside the Replication Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Blyth’s Horseshoe Bat ( Rhinolophus lepidus ) Kidney Cells

“…So far, this species was not identified as a reservoir for coronaviruses. However various alpha- and beta-coronaviruses were found in other closely related, small horseshoe bats of the species R. pusillus and R. monocerus in China ( 14 , 16 ).…”

Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus (Squamata, Elapidae) in Asia

“…Aside from its taxonomical importance, recognition and ascertainment of independently evolving lineages is crucial for understanding the evolutionary processes affecting the origin of population structure and species diversification 1 . Because of the growing availability of genetic methods for species delineation 2 , numerous studies have uncovered cryptic diversity within the widespread vertebrate species including in tropical and sub-tropical Asia; for instance, among fishes 3 – 5 , amphibians 6 – 8 , birds 9 – 11 , and mammals 12 – 14 . Moreover, recent phylogeographical and molecular studies have refined our understanding of cryptic speciation across biogeographic boundaries or within biogeographic regions 15 , 16 , and even propounded the suitability of reptiles in particular as biogeographic indicators 17 , 18 .…”

Bungarus fasciatus venom from eastern and north-east India: venom variation and immune cross-reactivity with Indian polyvalent antivenoms

“…Aside from its taxonomical importance, recognition and ascertainment of independently evolving lineages is crucial for understanding the evolutionary processes affecting the origin of population structure and species diversification [1]. Because of the growing availability of genetic methods for species delineation [2], numerous studies have uncovered cryptic diversity within the widespread vertebrate species including in tropical and sub-tropical Asia; for instance, among fishes [3][4][5], amphibians [6][7][8], birds [9][10][11], and mammals [12][13][14].…”