Publication details
Molecular and morphological examinations show diversity in the genus <i>Amphidromus</i> (Camaenidae: Stylommatophora) in Bangladesh
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Systematics and biodiversity |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2338076 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2338076 |
| Keywords | arboreal; deforestation; endangered species; flagship species; land snails; South Asia; tree snails |
| Description | Establishing a robust taxonomic foundation is crucial for biodiversity conservation. Bangladesh harbours potentially unique biodiversity that remains inadequately explored. Concurrently, its biodiversity faces substantial pressure owing to environmental changes; thus, an urgent assessment of its current status is required. In this study, we focused on the understudied land snails of Bangladesh, the genus Amphidromus. Utilizing 45 samples collected from 13 sites during a 2018-2022 survey, as well as museum specimens and literature sources, we conducted molecular phylogenetic analyses and the haplotype network of the mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1, examined shell shapes using elliptical Fourier features, and evaluated shell size and band patterns. Based on the molecular and morphological examinations, we identified five Amphidromus species in Bangladesh, including two potentially undescribed species, each recorded at a single site in the Chittagong Division. The dominant species, A. globonevilli, is widely distributed in central and eastern Bangladesh, revealing a geographically structured mitochondrial DNA diversity. Furthermore, in the museum specimens, we confirmed the occurrence of A. sinensis vicaria and A. sylheticus, the latter being newly discovered in Bangladesh. These two species may be limited to the eastern part of Bangladesh and represent low-density species. Although the taxonomic relationship of these species with A. globonevilli remains unclear and further studies with molecular data are warranted, our findings provide the basis for further understanding and conservation of biodiversity in Bangladesh. |