Genetic Analysis of the Indri Reveals No Evidence of Distinct Subspecies

Abstract

Subspecies were traditionally defined by identifying gaps between phenotypes across the geographic range of a species, and may represent important units in the development of conservation strategies focused on preserving genetic diversity. Previous taxonomic research proposed that phenotypic variation between scattered Indri indri populations warranted the naming of two distinct subspecies, I. i. indri and I. i. variegatus. We tested these subspecific designations using mitochondrial sequence data generated from the control region or D-loop (569 bp) and a large section (2362 bp) of multiple genes and tRNAs known as Pastorini's fragment and nuclear microsatellite markers. This study used 114 samples of I. indri from 12 rainforest sites in eastern Madagascar, encompassing the entire range of the species. These genetic samples represent multiple populations from low-and high-elevation forests from both putative subspecies. Molecular analyses of the mitochondrial sequence data did not support the Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia 22202, USA two proposed subspecies. Furthermore, the microsatellite analyses showed no significant differences across the range beyond population level differentiation. This study demonstrates the utility of incorporating multiple lines of evidence in addition to phenotypic traits to define species or subspecies.Int J Primatol DOI 10.1007/s10764-016-9911-3 Electronic

Habitat and ecological niche characteristics of the elusive Hairy‐eared Dwarf Lemur (Allocebus trichotis) with updated occurrence and geographic range data

“…Although this has not been studied so far due to its elusiveness, our direct observations indicate that it might be catchable for genetic/genomic investigations like the more frequently studied mouse lemurs (e.g., Schüßler, Blanco et al, 2020). However, A. trichotis occurs sympatrically across its whole range with other lemur species like Indri indri (Brenneman et al, 2016) or Microcebus lehilahytsara (Tiley et al, 2022) that show only little cryptic diversity. These two lemurs are also known to be found at particularly high elevations (e.g., Mittermeier et al, 2010; Radespiel et al, 2012), suggesting that altitudinal tolerance, as also indicated by our ENMs for A. trichotis , may allow for wider ranges and some level of north−south connectivity which may then prevent the further diversification into different species compared to taxa that are confined to the lowland environments of the same region (e.g., four further lowland mouse lemur species in northeastern Madagascar: M. macarthurii , M. jonahi , M. simmonsi , M. gerpi ; Schüßler, Blanco et al, 2020).…”

“…Although this has not been studied so far due to its elusiveness, our direct observations indicate that it might be catchable for genetic/genomic investigations like the more frequently studied mouse lemurs (e.g., Schüßler, Blanco et al, 2020). However, A. trichotis occurs sympatrically across its whole range with other lemur species like Indri indri (Brenneman et al, 2016) or Microcebus lehilahytsara (Tiley et al, 2022) that show only little cryptic diversity.…”

The conundrum of subspecies: morphological diversity among desert populations of the California vole (Microtus californicus, Cricetidae)

“…These separate character histories are thus also likely to be in conflict, the result of which will be discordance in geographic patterning. The formal recognition of subspecies should focus on both the documentation and assessment of this almost inevitable discordance, not on the rigid adherence to a molecular-only view of history (e.g., Zink 2004;Brenneman et al 2016;Trujillo and Hoffman 2017).…”

Delineating modern variation from extinct morphology in the fossil record using shells of the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)

“…The morphological identification of intraspecific diversity is frequently framed in terms of subspecies and often relies on soft-tissue morphology such as external coloration or tail length [ 12 – 17 ]. Such information is not preserved in the isolated teeth and bones that make up the majority of the vertebrate fossil record.…”