Diversity, origin, and biogeography of a widely distributed genus of African tree snakes (Colubridae, Dipsadoboa)

The genus Dipsadoboa (Colubridae) is a widely distributed group of arboreal snakes encompassing 13 recognized species across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its ecological significance and the availability of specimens, its phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history remain poorly resolved. This study presents the most comprehensive phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis of Dipsadoboa to date, using mitochondrial data ( 16S , Cyt-b , and ND4 ) representing all recognized taxa. Species delimitation analyses reveal cryptic genetic diversity and highlight taxa requiring further investigation. Divergence time estimates suggest that Dipsadoboa originated in East Africa during the early Miocene (~22 Mya), with subsequent radiations across forested regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Biogeographic reconstructions support founder-event speciation combined with vicariance driven by forest fluctuations and Rift Valley formation. This resulted in multiple independent colonizations of Upper Guinean Forests and structured genetic lineages across the range of the genus. The results identify the Guineo-Congolian forest region as a major diversity hotspot, while East Africa likely served as the center of origin. Altogether, this study provides a robust framework for future integrative taxonomic, evolutionary, and conservation research on Dipsadoboa , facilitating accurate species delimitation, improved assessments of species distributions, and a better understanding of evolutionary history, all of which are essential for informing conservation priorities and management strategies in understudied regions of Africa. The first comprehensive phylogenetic framework for the African snake genus Dipsadoboa . Species delimitation analyses suggest substantial cryptic diversity across the genus. Dipsadoboa most likely originated in East Africa during the early Miocene. The Lower Guinean Forest in the Congo Basin represents the main diversity hotspot. Dispersal, climatic refugia, and Rift Valley formation jointly shaped diversification of the genus.