Genetic diversity of Spiny-tailed Lizards,Genus Saara in Iran

The Uromastycinae subfamily of Agamidae consists of 18 species which are divided into two genera, Saara and Uromastyx. They are mostly herbivore and vary in size from medium to large. Spiny-tail, arranged in distinct whorls and accordant dentition are the key diagnostic characters. Genus Saara includes 3 species that two of them currently live in Iran; S. asmussi and S. loricata.According to the literature, their distributions are limited to the west of Zagros (S. loricata) and the central Iranian plateau (S. assmusi). In this study, we try to assess the genetic diversity of both species based on the mtDNA gene, 16S ribosomal RNA. Tissue sampling was carried out across the distribution range of the species. DNA was extracted using the classic salt method. The primers 16sar-L and 16sar-H were targeted for amplification of a gene fragment. The sequences were edited using Geneious11.1.3 and aligned in BioEdit7.2.6.1. Molecular diversity indices were also calculated in DNAsp6 and ArlequinV3.5.2.2. Haplotype (Hd) and nucleotide (Pi) diversities and polymorphic sites (S) were estimated at 0.9, 0.0046 and 7, respectively, for S. loricata. The same parameters were calculated for S. asmussi as: Hd = 0.64 and Pi = 0.002 and S = 3. Overall, the results of molecular diversity indices demonstrated little variations within S. asmussi. According to the findings, both species need an action plan for conservation, separately.

Keywords:

Genetic diversity , Saara asmussi , Saara loricate , 16S ribosomal RNA , Iran