Evolutionary history of the two North African hedgehogs (Mammalia: Erinaceidae) Atelerix algirus and Paraechinus aethiopicus based on phylogeography and species distribution modelling

Abstract Two species of hedgehogs are known to occur in northern part Africa: the Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus and Ethiopian Paraechinus aethiopicus . Within each several subspecies were described based on morphometrical data pelage coloration, but all these have enigmatic unclear definitions. We investigated phylogeographical history taxonomy two mitochondrial DNA covering entire geographical distribution A. North African P. also used climatic niche modelling make inferences about their evolutionary history. Low genetic diversity was recovered both species. While no phylogeographic pattern found , haplogroups identified within This could be explained by fact that continuous high or moderate suitability occurred throughout most Saharan desert since LGM (Last Glacial Maximum) for first species, while during there disconnected areas : one South-West Morocco, at coastal Moroccan-Algerian border Tunisia-coastal Libya. Our results confirm recently colonized Spain, Balearic Canary Islands, this colonization probably mediated humans. Suitable conditions Southern Eastern Iberian Peninsula last 6,000 years which favored spatial expansion after its arrival Europe. According our molecular subspecific recognition Africa is unwarranted