Phylogeography of two codistributed terrestrial snails in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, South Africa

We investigated the evolutionary patterns of two forest-dwelling endemic terrestrial snails (Gittenedouardia spadicea and Maizania wahlbergi) in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot in South Africa to examine the degree of phylogeographical congruence between the two species. Phylogenetic relationships and divergence time estimations within each species were inferred using the combined mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence dataset for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and large subunit ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA). In addition, the rapidly evolving COI datasets were used to infer intraspecific genetic structure and population differentiation within both species. Phylogeographical concordance factor (PCF) analysis was used to statistically estimate the degree of congruence between the two species at localities where both species were sampled. Phylogenetically, G. spadicea exhibited two clades that diverged during the Plio/Pleistocene, while M. wahlbergi formed a single shallow clade that showed Pleistocene divergence. The haplotype networks for the COI locus demonstrated evidence of geographical and genetic isolation within both species. PCF analysis demonstrated partial phylogeographical concordance, suggesting that the two species may have been affected by similar ancient climatic events. Traits other than poor dispersal capabilities and limited gene flow may also influence how a species responds to fluctuating climate change.

Automated summary

In this study, we investigated the evolutionary patterns of two forest-dwelling endemic terrestrial snails in South Africa to examine their degree of phylogeographical congruence. The results showed differences in phylogenetic relationships and genetic structure between the two species, and suggested that they may have been affected by similar ancient climatic events.