Niche differentiation among genetic lineages in the Mediterranean Pond turtle, Mauremys leprosa, across its geographical range

Abstract Ecological niche modelling provides a useful tool to measure properties such as breadth, overlap and conservatism among genetic lineages, with relevant implications for conservation. The Mediterranean pond turtle Mauremys leprosa occurs on both sides of the Strait Gibraltar over most Iberia Maghreb Region north-western Africa, where it shows complex structure result Pleistocene climatic oscillations particular geographical features this region. We analyzed climate lineages sublineages , based confirmed records across known range species. also compared accuracy environmental models obtained by splitting two into subunits lumping lineages. Results revealed an overall between main sublineages, indicating no relationship variation divergence. Likewise, extensive suitability However, some ecological differentiation sublineage pairs, in involving whose occurrence corresponds morphotype – Sahara blue-eyed which occupies very isolated habitats along Draa basin Morocco. These populations are currently threatened fragmentation habitats, drought water salinization. This study will help assessing more effectively impacts ongoing change that local human activities likely increase southernmost limit its distribution.