The differential effect of lowlands on the phylogeographic pattern of a Mesoamerican montane species (Lepidocolaptes affinis, Aves: Furnariidae).

We sequenced 1869 bp of mtDNA (cyt b and ND2) from 80 specimens of Lepidocolaptes affinis, a montane bird species of Mesoamerica, sampled at 34 localities from Mexico to Costa Rica. The species showed moderate genetic diversity (π=0.0045) and phylogeographic structure (Φ(ST)=0.12-0.95). The phylogeographic pattern indicated the Nicaragua Depression has prevented gene flow whereas populations on the two sides of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec did not show strong genetic differentiation. In Mexico, the population of the Sierra Madre Oriental was composed of two different lineages. In general, our data did not support a scenario of historical demographic expansion, and matched partially the phylogeographic patterns of other Mesoamerica montane species.