New Species of Desert Tortoise Identified
Author Information
Author(s): Robert W. Murphy, Kristin H. Berry, Taylor Edwards, Alan E. Leviton, Amy Lathrop, J. Daren Riedle
Primary Institution: Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Royal Ontario Museum
Hypothesis
Is the desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, a composite of multiple species?
Conclusion
The study identifies a new species of desert tortoise, Gopherus morafkai, and reduces the range of Gopherus agassizii to only 30% of its former habitat.
Supporting Evidence
- The lectotype of Gopherus agassizii was genetically confirmed to be from California.
- A new species, Gopherus morafkai, was named based on genetic and ecological data.
- The range of Gopherus agassizii has been reduced to 30% of its former distribution.
- Significant differences in microsatellite DNA alleles support the existence of multiple species.
Takeaway
Scientists found that the desert tortoise is actually two different species, and one of them is now called Morafka's desert tortoise.
Methodology
The study involved genetic analysis of tissue samples from the lectotype of Gopherus agassizii and the holotype of Gopherus lepidocephalus.
Limitations
The study is limited by the historical confusion surrounding the identity and classification of the tortoise species.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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