Archipelago-wide survey of Philippine forest dragons (Agamidae: Gonocephalus): Multilocus phylogeny uncovers unprecedented levels of genetic diversity in a biodiversity hotspot

Abstract

We utilize robust geographical genetic sampling, and phylogenetic analysis of a new multilocus dataset to provide the first inference of relationships among Philippine Gonocephalus, combined with estimates of putative species diversity, in this almost unknown island radiation. Our results reveal startling levels of undocumented diversity, genetically partitioned at a number of geographical levels across the archipelago. We present the first survey of genetic lineage diversity, coupled with an archipelago-wide clarification of geographical structure in a unique archipelago-endemic radiation. Philippine Gonocephalus have previously escaped the attention of biogeographers as a result of the taxonomic confusion associated with low numbers of preserved specimens in museum collections. With new vouchered material and genetic sampling from a comprehensive, archipelago-wide vertebrate biodiversity inventory, our findings join many recent studies in highlighting the unprecedented faunal diversity in one of the world's most unique biodiversity conservation hotspots.