Population structure, genomic diversity and demographic history of Komodo dragons inferred from whole-genome sequencing

In this study, we investigated the population structure, genomic diversity and demographic history of the Komodo dragon, by sequencing the whole genomes of 24 individuals from the five main Indonesian islands comprising the entire range of the species. Three main genomic groups were observed. The populations of the Island of Komodo and the northern coast of Flores, in particular, were identified as two distinct conservation units. Degrees of genomic divergence among island populations were interpreted as a result of changes in sea level affecting connectivity across islands. Demographic inference suggested that Komodo dragons probably experienced a relatively steep population decline over the last million years, reaching a relatively stable Ne during the Saalian glacial cycle followed by a rapid Ne decrease. Genomic diversity of Komodo dragons was similar to that found in endangered or already extinct reptile species. Overall, this study provides an example of how whole genome analysis of a few individuals per population can help define population structure and intraspecific demographic dynamics.