Relationships among brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus) based on mitochondrial DNA sequences

Area of Science:

• Primatology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• The evolutionary relationships among the seven subspecies of brown lemurs (Eulemur fulvus) are debated.
• Specific uncertainties include the taxonomic status of Malagasy and Comorian E. f. fulvus populations (E. f. mayottensis) and whether E. f. collaris and E. f. albocollaris are distinct species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve the contentious evolutionary relationships within the brown lemur species complex.
• To determine the subspecific status of E. f. mayottensis and the species status of E. f. collaris and E. f. albocollaris.

Main Methods:

• Mitochondrial DNA sequencing of approximately 2400 base pairs, including the COIII gene, ND3, ND4L, ND4, and five tRNAs.
• Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data from 34 Eulemur fulvus specimens.

Main Results:

• Phylogenetic analysis resolved 34 specimens into six distinct clades.
• E. f. albocollaris and E. f. collaris were not found to be distinct species from E. fulvus.
• Comorian brown lemurs (E. f. mayottensis) did not show sufficient genetic differentiation to be recognized at the subspecific level.
• No genetic differentiation was observed between E. f. albifrons and E. f. sanfordi.
• Two distinct lineages were identified within E. f. rufus.

Conclusions:

• Eulemur fulvus albocollaris and Eulemur fulvus collaris should not be classified as separate species.
• Comorian brown lemurs do not merit subspecific rank.
• The subspecies E. f. albifrons and E. f. sanfordi are genetically indistinct.
• Eulemur fulvus rufus comprises at least two separate evolutionary lineages, suggesting potential cryptic speciation or distinct subspecies.