Abstract
A population of white-footed dunnarts (<i>Sminthopsis leucopus</i>) occurs in the Wet Tropics bioregion of tropical north Queensland, Australia separated by about 1800&#x2009;km from conspecifics in temperate New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. We conducted targeted surveys for <i>S. leucopus</i> in north-east Queensland and obtained new records, including the first reported capture of the species in Queensland in 18&#x2009;years. We assessed the genetic and morphological divergence of the north Queensland population against New South Wales, Victorian and Tasmanian <i>S. leucopus</i>, in conjunction with distribution and habitat differences, to assess whether this isolate should be described as a distinct taxon. Sequencing of the mitochondrial Cytochrome <i>b</i> gene revealed genetic divergence estimates of 2.3&#x2013;2.8% and 4.3&#x2013;4.8% between the north Queensland population and <i>S. l. ferruginifrons</i> (Victoria) and <i>S. l. leucopus</i> (Tasmania) respectively. Based on genetic divergence, cranial morphology, differences in habitat, and geographical isolation, we describe the north Queensland population as a new subspecies of <i>Sminthopsis leucopus</i>. We suggest a conservation classification of Endangered given its small distribution, apparent low density, tropical upland location and potential threats, especially related to climate change.
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