4.7 Article

Population structure, genomic diversity and demographic history of Komodo dragons inferred from whole-genome sequencing

Journal

MOLECULAR ECOLOGY
Volume 30, Issue 23, Pages 6309-6324

Publisher

WILEY
DOI: 10.1111/mec.16121

Keywords

conservation genomics; MSMC; population genomics; reptiles; ROH; Varanidae

Funding

  1. Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Universita e della Ricerca - MIUR
  2. WOA Institution: Universita degli Studi di Firenze
  3. Blended DEAL: CARE

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Population and conservation genetics studies of the Komodo dragon using whole-genome sequencing of 24 individuals revealed three main genomic groups, with populations on Komodo Island and the northern coast of Flores identified as distinct conservation units. The genomic divergence among island populations was interpreted as related to changes in sea level affecting connectivity. Demographic inference indicated a steep population decline in Komodo dragons over the last million years, reaching a stable N-e during the Saalian glacial cycle before a rapid decrease. Genomic diversity of Komodo dragons was similar to that of endangered or extinct reptile species, highlighting the importance of whole-genome analysis in defining population structure and demographic dynamics for conservation efforts.
Population and conservation genetics studies have greatly benefited from the development of new techniques and bioinformatic tools associated with next-generation sequencing. Analysis of extensive data sets from whole-genome sequencing of even a few individuals allows the detection of patterns of fine-scale population structure and detailed reconstruction of demographic dynamics through time. In this study, we investigated the population structure, genomic diversity and demographic history of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the world's largest lizard, by sequencing the whole genomes of 24 individuals from the five main Indonesian islands comprising the entire range of the species. Three main genomic groups were observed. The populations of the Island of Komodo and the northern coast of Flores, in particular, were identified as two distinct conservation units. Degrees of genomic divergence among island populations were interpreted as a result of changes in sea level affecting connectivity across islands. Demographic inference suggested that Komodo dragons probably experienced a relatively steep population decline over the last million years, reaching a relatively stable N-e during the Saalian glacial cycle (400-150 thousand years ago) followed by a rapid N-e decrease. Genomic diversity of Komodo dragons was similar to that found in endangered or already extinct reptile species. Overall, this study provides an example of how whole-genome analysis of a few individuals per population can help define population structure and intraspecific demographic dynamics. This is particularly important when applying population genomics data to conservation of rare or elusive endangered species.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available