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Jane M. Ngaira

  • Biodiversity Journal, 9 (4): 375-384

    Zedekiah A. Okwany, Elijah K. Githui, Jane M. Ngaira, Charles M. Warui, Rashid A. Aman & Samson K. Mutura
    Phylogeographic relationships of Freshwter Crabs, Potamonautes Macleay, 1838 (Decapoda Potamonautidae), in Central Kenya in relation to similar species in southern Africa highlands
    https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2018.9.4.375.384

    ABSTRACT
    Fresh water crabs, Potamonautes Macleay, 1838 (Decapoda Potamonautidae) occurring in highland drainages in Africa are endemic to the specific region due to their geographically restricted habitats. Phylogenetic studies indicate that Potamonautes species in East, Central and Southern Africa regions have close genetic affinities and may be represented by the same genetic stock. In this study, fresh water crabs were sampled from the Aberdare ranges rivers in the Central highlands of Kenya to further characterize their phylogeny. Ribosomal DNA sequences derived from the samples and similar dataset of Eastern and Southern Africa regions were employed in phylogenetic analysis to determine populations’ affinities. The constructed phylogenetic trees show that the molecular affinities are geographically structured where populations in Eastern and Western Rift Valley have closer genetic relationships, while Southern Africa populations are more distantly related. Further, time tree phylogenetics indicated that Eastern Africa Potamonautes are evolutionary older stocks relative to populations in Southern Africa. Tajima-D population drift neutrality test was negative, suggesting that the geographically isolated Potamonautes crabs populations are experiencing purifying selection.