The Balkans in Central Europe: a case of introduced lineage of Podarcis muralis in Slovakia highlighting the impact of international trading and climate change

This study presents the first genetically confirmed record of an introduced population of Podarcis muralis in Slovakia, specifically in the village of Imeľ (southwestern Slovakia, Komárno District), in the Danubian Lowland. The population was likely introduced via the horticultural trade from the western Balkans. It was identified at a horticultural site specializing in the sale of Mediterranean plants from Albania, with individuals of all age stages documented since its initial observation in 2020. Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed distinct haplotypes that closely cluster with those from northern Albania, indicating clear genetic differentiation from native Slovak populations. This finding was further supported by a species distribution model, which suggested that the Danubian Lowland does not offer a suitable environment for the presence and reproduction of native Slovakian populations. In contrast, a spatial similarity model found environmental similarities between the Danubian Lowland and parts of the western Balkans (northern Albanian lowlands and southern Montenegro). This introduction highlights the role of international trade in facilitating the spread of non-native species, posing potential risks such as hybridization with local populations. With a warming climate, conditions may increasingly favour the establishment of such introduced populations. Thus, regular monitoring is essential to evaluate the implications of these findings for conservation and to safeguard native genetic diversity.