Genetic divergence and units for conservation in the Komodo dragon Varanuskomodoensis

In the past decade much attention has focused on the role that genetics can play in the formation of management strategies in conservation. Here, we d escribe genetic diversity in the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), examining the evolutionary relationships and populat ion genetic history of the four islands in south-east Indonesia, which form the vast majority of its range. We identify distinct genetic groups for co nservation. The population on the island of Komodo shows by far the largest values of genetic divergence and is proposed that it should be a separate conservation management unit. Other populations, surviving either on small islands with substantially reduced genetic variability, or in isolated patc hes, are identified as particularly vulnerable to stochastic threats and ha bitat loss. Our results provide an example of how data defining intraspecif ic levels of genetic divergence can provide information to help management plans, ensure the maintenance of genetic variability across populations and identify evolutionary potential within endangered species.