Phylogenetic placement of the Mount Bamboutos endemic skink, Trachylepis mekuana (Chirio and Ineich, 2001)

Abstract

African skinks of the genus Trachylepis is one of the most diverse genera of lizards in Africa. Although, many species have not been validated phylogenetically in recent years. In this study we evaluate the phylogenetic status of the Cameroon Volcanic Line endemic montane skink, Trachylepis mekuana. We recover this species as part of the larger Trachylepis varia group, with sister relationship to the morphological similar skinks from Eastern Africa Trachylepis megalura and central Africa Trachylepis raymondlaurenti. Low sequence divergence (<1.6% 16S) have been observed among the three species. Based on some morphological and colouration differences, as well as mostly allopatric distribution we regard them as good species.