Cryptic speciation in arid mountains: An integrative revision of the Pristurus rupestris species complex (Squamata, Sphaerodactylidae) from Arabia based on morphological, genetic and genomic data, with the description of four new species

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315000
• Publication Date: 2025-02-24T18:26:13Z
• Authors: Bernat Burriel-Ca...; Thore Koppetsch; Juliana Tabares; Adrián Talavera; Gabriel Mochales-...; Maria Estarellas; Benjamin Wipfler; Johannes Els; Marc Simó-Riudalbas; Dean Adams; Saleh Al Saadi; Joan Garcia-Porta; Karin Tamar; Jiří Šmíd; Salvador Carranza
• Keywords: Species complex; Endemism; Biodiversity hotspot; Peninsula

In the arid landscapes of Arabian Peninsula, high levels cryptic diversity among reptiles, and especially in geckos, have recently been revealed. Mountain ranges within peninsula were shown to contain highest richness reptile endemicity, serving as refugia species less adapted hyper-arid conditions lowlands. With up 19 endemic species, Hajar Mountains southeastern Arabia are a clear example this pattern. Owing its old geological history, complex topography geographic isolation from rest peninsula, mountain range rises hotspot biodiversity endemicity Arabia, provides perfect scenario study processes evolution diversification reptiles ranges. present we investigate systematics Pristurus rupestris complex, group geckos exhibiting morphological traits along with remarkably deep evolutionary history. Initially considered single distributed throughout coastal some scattered populations at Horn Africa, several recent studies that actually comprises restricted Arabia. Here, utilize an integrative approach assembling morphological, genetic, genomic, ecological datasets resolve long-standing systematic challenge. Results support existence four new three Oman endemics. While no unique diagnostic characters identified, slight differences occur between high-elevation relative rest. Despite lack differentiation, extreme genetic variation found distances 24% 12S mitochondrial marker, resulting divergence times 10 mya. Moreover, all sympatry least another representative without any signs apparent ongoing gene flow them. These findings yield profound implications for conservation efforts, one these newly described presents extremely distribution (only known locality individuals), requiring immediate attention protection. Overall, sheds light on hidden P . emphasizing importance preserving face environmental changes, while highlighting, once again, cradle biodiversity.