Long-range relatives: on the status of the Bengal monitor, Varanus bengalensis (Squamata: Varanidae) from southeastern Iran

Document Type : Short Communications

Authors

1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran

2 Wildlife Conservation and Management Bureau, Natural Environment Deputy, Department of Environment, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Environment office in Konarak County, Sistan and Baluchistan Province, Iran

Abstract

This study presents the first molecular evidence for Varanus bengalensis from southeastern Iran. Molecular analyses based on mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences confirmed that the specimens from southeastern Iran belong to the V. bengalensis lineage. The results provide convincing evidence that the V. bengalensis individuals in southeastern Iran belong to a haplotype that is widespread in India, despite the large geographical distance between the two regions.

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