Genetic variation in different populations of keeled rock gecko (Cyrtopodion scabrum) in some regions of Iranian plateau

Abstract

The keeled-rock gecko, Cyrtopodion scabrum, is widely distributed in the south west of Asia and northern Africa. In Iran, this species is often found in most parts of the country and commonly known as the house lizard. In order to determine whether or not there is genetic difference between various populations, 45 individuals of this lizard were collected from 5 regions. After extracting DNA, the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene was amplified by PCR and then sequenced. The sequences were then analyzed by Mega 5 and PAUP software. The findings of present study showed that different populations of this taxon display a homology in respect to mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, since the average variation among these specimens was negligible, ranged from 0 to 0.1%. These results indicate that this taxon has recently been introduced to Iran and a strong gene flow still present within its various populations.