Genetic and Histological Diversity between the Coastal and Desert Chamaeleo chamaeleon Subspecies in Egypt

Hanan R. H. Mohamed, Mohamed A. M. Kadry

Abstract: The biodiversity between the two Chamaeleo chamaeleon (C. c. ) subspecies (chamaeleon and musae) inhibiting the coastal and desert habitats of Egypt, respectively, was estimated using random amplification of genomic DNA (PCR-RAPD), histological and histochemical examinations. PCR-RAPD analysis using six arbitrary primers evidenced the genetic diversity. The observed slight histological variations including lightly stained neural nuclei and higher renal glomerulae and blood sinusoids in addition to higher pigment cells in C. c. chamaeleon than that observed in C. c. musae showed that C. c. chamaeleon subspecies is more active and adaptable to its coastal habitat. This was further evidenced by the observed higher histochemical localization of either lipid in C. c. chamaeleon or glycogen in C. c. musae.

Keywords: Biodiversity, PCR-RAPD, Chamaeleo chameleon chameleon, Chamaeleo chameleon musae and histochemical localization