Reevaluation of the status of the Central American brocket deer Mazama temama (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) subspecies based on morphological and environmental evidence
Por:
Escobedo-Morales, Luis A., Leon-Paniagua, Livia, Martinez-Meyer, Enrique, Mandujano, Salvador
Publicada:
5 abr 2023
Ahead of Print:
1 dic 2022
Resumen:
The Central American brocket deer (Mazama temama) is widespread across
the Mesoamerican forests, yet it remains largely unknown. Three
subspecies are recognized currently within M. temama using pelage
coloration as the primary diagnostic character. However, it remains
unclear if there is any pattern of morphological variation throughout
its distribution. We compared two models of morphological subdivision,
namely the traditional subspecies and another based on biogeographic
provinces via 2D geometric morphometrics and ecological niche modeling.
The second model presented a better fit to the observed variation in
cranial shape and size. We found divergence in skull size between
individuals from Mexico and Guatemala (northern group) relative to
specimens from Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama (southern
group), the latter being 8% larger than the northern group. Centroid
size showed a significant correlation with geographic distance
suggesting an isolation-by-distance pattern. Low geographical overlap
between the two clusters suggests niche conservatism. Late Pleistocene
dispersal from South to Central America and differences in available
resources with subsequent isolation due to climatic barriers therefore
may have promoted differentiation in size albeit without extensive
changes in shape. In this context, the Motagua-Polochic-Jolotan fault
system probably plays a key role in promoting morphological
differentiation by climatic isolation. Finally, we suggest that M. t.
temama () and M. t. reperticia should remain as valid names for the two
morphological and ecologically differentiated groups detected here.
Filiaciones:
Escobedo-Morales, Luis A.:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Circuito Posgrad, Posgrad Ciencias Biol, Edif D,Apartado Postal 70-153, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico
Leon-Paniagua, Livia:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Fac Ciencias, Museo Zool Alfonso L Herrera, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico
Martinez-Meyer, Enrique:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Inst Biol, Circuito Exterior S-N, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico
Mandujano, Salvador:
Inst Ecol, Red Biol & Conservac Vertebrados, Carretera Antigua Coatepec 351, Xalapa 91070, Veracruz, Mexico
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