Forgotten in the ocean: systematics, biogeography and evolution of the Trachylepis skinks of the Socotra Archipelago

Research reveals that the Socotra Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, has been colonized by Trachylepis skinks twice independently. Genetic analysis of 115 individuals, including samples from all four islands (Socotra, Darsa, Samha, Abd Al Kuri), shows that the first colonization event gave rise to populations on Socotra, Samha, and Darsa, while the second led to the distinct species found on Abd Al Kuri. Both events occurred within the last 14 million years, ruling out vicariance as a mechanism for their evolution. The study also identifies the Abd Al Kuri population as a new species within the T. brevicollis complex, highlighting its unique genetic and morphological traits.

Sindaco, R., Metallinou, M., Pupin, F., Fasola, M., & Carranza, S. (2012). Forgotten in the ocean: systematics, biogeography and evolution of the Trachylepis skinks of the Socotra Archipelago. Zoologica Scripta, 41(4), 346–362. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-6409.2012.00540.x