Unveiling the Potential Distribution of the Highly Threatened Madeira Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus maderensis): Do Different Evolutionary Significant Units Exist?

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Island ecosystems, while hosting a significant proportion of global biodiversity and unique species, are exceptionally vulnerable. The considerable distances between islands and the mainland, coupled with the diverse environmental conditions, have had a profound impact on the evolutionary history of species. This study focuses on the Madeira, Azores, and Canary archipelagos, situated in the Macaronesia biogeographical region. Among the endangered endemic pipistrelle species, the Madeira pipistrelle (Pipistrellus maderensis) stands out. To compare the populations inhabiting these three archipelagos, we conducted genetic and ecological niche analyses. Our analyses revealed substantial differences in both DNA composition and habitat preferences among the populations. This research serves as a crucial starting point for future investigations, which aim to integrate ecological, morphological, genetic, and behavioural characteristics. By deepening our understanding of the distinctiveness of these populations and unravelling their evolutionary history, we can effectively address the conservation requirements of the Madeira pipistrelle. Consequently, we can ensure the long-term preservation of these remarkable bat populations and their vital ecological roles. ABSTRACT: The isolation of islands has played a significant role in shaping the unique evolutionary histories of many species of flora and fauna, including bats. One notable example is the Madeira pipistrelle (Pipistrellus maderensis), which inhabits the Macaronesian archipelagos of the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. Despite the high biogeographic and conservation importance of this species, there is limited information on its ecology and evolutionary history across different archipelagos. In our study, we employed species distribution models (SDMs) to identify suitable habitats for the Madeira pipistrelle and determine the environmental factors influencing its distribution. Additionally, we conducted molecular comparisons using mitochondrial DNA data from various Macaronesian islands. Molecular analyses provided compelling evidence for the presence of distinct Evolutionary Significant Units on the different archipelagos. We identified distinct haplotypes in the populations of Madeira and the Canary Islands, with a genetic distance ranging from a minimum of 2.4% to a maximum of 3.3% between samples from different archipelagos. In support of this, SDMs highlighted relevant dissimilarities between the environmental requirements of the populations of the three archipelagos, particularly the climatic niche. Our research demonstrates that deeper investigations that combine ecological, morphological, and genetic areas are necessary to implement tailored conservation strategies.