Phylogeny and phylogeography of the sword-tailed newt, Cynops ensicauda (Amphibia: Caudata), as revealed by nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA.

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography among individuals of the endemic newt (Cynops ensicauda) of the Central Ryukyus, Japan based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The results of phylogenetic analyses showed the presence of remarkable differentiation between assemblages from the Amami and Okinawa Island Groups, supporting the validity of the subspecies C. e. popei described from the latter on morphological grounds. The group of individuals from Okinawa Island Group was further divided into two distinct subgroups unlike the results of previous morphological and allozyme studies. Geographic ranges of these subgroups overlapped in the northern part of Okinawajima Island. The phylogeographic pattern within the Okinawa Island Group suggests an initial division into two geographically isolated population lineages and subsequent secondary sympatry before formation of reproductive isolation. It is also likely that within the Okinawa Island Group emigration occurred from the central and northern parts of Okinawajima Island to its southern part, as well as to several small islets off its western coast. Within the Amami Island Group, recurring restricted gene flow with isolation by distance seems to have occurred around the southwestern region including three islets southwest of Amamioshima Island.