Bartłomiej Najbar

Distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes (cytb) in Polish populations of Emys orbicularis (L., 1758)

The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, inhabits a wide distribution area in the western Palaearctic. Polish populations of pond turtle represent the nominotypical subspecies Emys orbicularis orbicularis. The mitochondrial DNA haplotype (cytb gene) variation among 131 turtles from 26 locations in five regions of Poland was investigated. Five haplotypes belonging to three distinct lineages were identified. Two clades (I and II) were represented by two haplotypes each, while the other clade (IV) was represented by one haplotype. Three haplotypes were reported for the first time in E. orbicularis. The eastern part of Poland is inhabited exclusively by turtles bearing haplotype Ia. The remaining four sequence variants were recorded in western Poland where only the IIb haplotype is considered endemic. The distribution of the other haplotypes in western Poland could thus reflect past introductions or accidental releases. The authors regarded the two locations (Drzeczkowo and Karpicko) that were first included in the western Poland populations as autochthonous catchment areas of haplotype Ia.

Population differentiation of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Poland inferred by the analysis of mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA: implications for conservation

We investigated the genetic diversity of Polish populations of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) using complete sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and allelic variation at thirteen microsatellite loci. We collected data from 146 turtles from 28 locations covering most of the species’ range in Poland. Our results showed a low haplotype diversity and high levels of microsatellite diversity in all populations. We applied two Bayesian approaches using the multilocus data and determined relationships of mtDNA haplotypes by constructing a parsimony network. We observed relatively consistent results of the two Bayesian clustering methods and largely concordant differentiation patterns between mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. All eastern Polish populations were assigned in a highly supported eastern group, while the majority of turtles from western Poland were joined in a distinct western group. The most probable number of population clusters corresponded to the number of native mtDNA lineages. Additionally, we detected a hierarchical structure within the eastern lineage splitting the populations into two subgroups. Polish populations generally constitute genetically homogenous groups, characterized by a low population admixture, with only negligible impact from allochthonous turtles.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Italian slow-worm Anguis veronensis Pollini, 1818, and its comparison with mitogenomes of other Anguis species

Abstract In this paper, we present complete mitochondrial genome of the Italian legless lizard species Anguis veronensis Pollini, 1818. The complete mtDNA consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and two rRNA genes which in total formed a DNA strand of 17,322 bp. Anguis veronensis mitogenome had the same gene order as two other compared Anguis spp., i.e. A. cephallonica and A. fragilis. The base composition of A. veronensis mitochondrial genome was A – 30.8%, T – 24.9%, C – 29.9%, G – 14.4%, with an A + T bias (55.7%). The newly described genome provides valuable data for future comparative mitogenomic analysis within Anguis genus.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Eastern slow worm, Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840)

Abstract Here, we present complete mitochondrial genome of the Eastern Slow Worm, Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840). Mitogenome complete sequence is 17,097 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and one control region. Anguis colchica mitochondrial genome has the same gene order as other mitogenomes of Anguis spp. Their analyzed genome has base composition as: A (30.4%), T (24.6%), C (30.4%), G (14.6%), with an A + T bias (55%). Length of the all 22 tRNA genes varies from 65 to 73 bp with an average of 69 bp. Presented mitogenome will provide new data for phylogenetic analysis within the genus Anguis.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the endemic legless lizard Anguis cephallonica Werner, 1894 and its comparison with mitogenome of Anguis fragilis Linnaeus, 1758

Abstract Complete mitochondrial genome of the Peloponnese endemic lizard species Anguis cephallonica is presented in this study. The complete sequence is 17 208 bp long and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and one control region. The gene order is same as in the relative species Anguis fragilis. Length of the 22 tRNA genes varies from 64 bp to 73 bp. The Anguis cephallonica mitogenome base composition is: A (30.5%), T (24.2%), C (30.5%), G (14.8%), with an A + T bias (54.7%). Six protein coding genes have incomplete stop codons. This is the first complete mitogenome described in this species as well as in any endemic Peloponnese lizard. Presented complete mitochondrial genome will form a basis for future comparative analysis within the genus Anguis.