Phylogenetic relationships of the West African mud turtle (Pelusios castaneus) on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Central Africa

Abstract On the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa, only one species terrapin has been recorded: African mud turtle, Pelusios castaneus . Here, we use a mtDNA phylogenetic approach to shed light on geographical origin both islands. Our results indicate several independent colonisations from different mainland regions (Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone Congo). However, it is still unclear if arrived islands by natural dispersal (e.g., through vegetation rafts) or human agency as food source). work provides important insights into origins P. in but more in-depth study needed fully understand evolutionary histories these populations.