Genomic signatures of drift and selection driven by predation and human pressure in an insular lizard.

Genomic divergence was studied in 10 small insular populations of the endangered Balearic Islands lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) using double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing. The objectives were to establish levels of divergence among populations, investigate the impact of population size on genetic variability and to evaluate the role of different environmental factors on local adaptation. Analyses of 72,846 SNPs supported a highly differentiated genetic structure, being the populations with the lowest population size (Porros, Foradada and Esclatasang islets) the most divergent, indicative of greater genetic drift.

Analysis of 21 X-chromosome polymorphisms in urban and rural populations in Salta province (north-western Argentina).

Population genetic data for 21 X-chromosome markers (Alu insertions and STRs) are reported for two populations (rural and urban) in Salta province (north-western Argentina). New variants are described, confirming the complexity and variability of some markers in this set. Results reveal Salta populations harbor a high Native American component, despite their self-recognized European ancestry.

New data on Perkinsus mediterraneus in the Balearic Archipelago: locations and affected species.

Perkinsus mediterraneus, a protozoan parasite that can cause perkinsosis (marine mollusc disease), was first detected in oysters Ostrea edulis from Mahon (Minorca, Balearic Islands, Spain) in 2004. Several years later it was also found in Andratx Harbour (Majorca, Balearic Islands) and in the Gulf of Manfredonia (Adriatic coast of Italy) in oyster populations. Since 2007, Perkinsus surveys have been conducted in different localities and shellfish species in the Balearic Archipelago.