Distinct Subspecies Research Articles

Patterns of phylogenetic diversification in the Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) and Azure Roller (Eurystomus azureus) complex

Genetic isolation and morphological differentiation are two important factors in the speciation process that not always act in concert. A rapid morphological change in a lineage can hide its close relationship to another lineage, while slight morphological differentiation between two taxa can give the appearance of a closer relationship than is actually the case. The Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis) and the Azure Roller (Eurystomus azureus) is such an example. Today the Dollarbird and the Azure Roller are unanimously considered to constitute two distinct species, but in a recent genetic study it has been shown that the latter taxon, despite being larger and having a distinctly different coloration, is phylogenetically nested within the former. Its precise placement within this complex has not been determined, however.In this study, we investigate the phylogenetic relationships within the Dollarbird/Azure Roller complex. We estimate divergence times and infer phylogenetic relationships using sequence data from 6,475 genome-wide intronic regions, as well as complete mitochondrial genomes, using both concatenation and multispecies coalescence approaches.We find that within the Dollarbird/Azure Roller complex there are several examples of discrepancies between genetic and morphological differentiation. The Dollarbird is currently divided into between nine to twelve subspecies. Some of these subspecies are poorly differentiated, whereas others are morphologically more clearly discernable. Our data suggest that the complex consist of at least seven distinct genetic lineages that do not entirely match the morphological variation within the group.For instance, our results show that the subspecies solomonensis from the Solomon Islands, despite being morphologically very similar to its geographically closest neighbors, in fact is a highly distinct lineage that became isolated more than 700,000 years ago. In contrast, the morphologically distinct Azure Roller, which is currently treated as a distinct species, is nested within the Dollarbird and forms a slightly younger lineage than solomonensis and is the sister group to a clade with Australian and New Guinean Dollarbirds. Our results also show a deep genetic split within the Dollarbirds on the Asian mainland. This stands in contrast to the apparent clinal morphological variation reported for the birds on the Asian mainland.We also find support for the presence of a genetically distinct clade in the Wallacea region. The birds from the Wallacea region has previously been recognized as a distinct subspecies, connectens, but is currently placed in synonymy of other subspecies.Our results are thus at odds with the current division of the Dollarbird/Azure Roller complex into two species. Given that the species status of azureus is undisputed, the apparent genetic isolation of solomonensis and its clear separation from the other lineages suggests that this taxon also warrants species status. Based on the genetic and morphological variation observed within the Dollarbird/Azure Roller complex there is little doubt that even more taxa should regarded as species, but this require further examination.

Accounting for dispersal and intraspecific variation in forecasts of species distribution under climate change

Abstract Dispersal and local adaptation play an important role in driving species distributions under climate change. Many studies aim to estimate relationships between species occurrences and environmental variables to predict range shift and biodiversity loss, ignoring dispersal and intraspecific variation contributing to complex spatial and temporal dynamics. We accounted for dispersal and intraspecific variation in forecasts of species distribution under climate change with species distribution models (SDMs) using two cold‐adapted, low‐dispersal Platycerus species (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), each with distinct subspecies distributions, as focus species. The results showed that the subspecies‐level model performed significantly better than the species‐level model when considering dispersal constraints in SDMs. Whether or not dispersal or intraspecific variation is accounted for, the predicted species range of Platycerus albisomni is expected to decrease in the future. For Platycerus takakuwai, accounting for dispersal constraints in SDMs indicated that its potential distribution area would increase at the subspecies level under climate change, but decrease at the species level. These divergent results show that SDMs at the subspecies level can detect impacts of climate change that may be overlooked in species‐level models. Therefore, models that consider intraspecific variation and dispersal constraints may provide a more realistic perspective on the impacts of climate change. Because accurate mapping of potential habitats is needed for conservation purposes, demographic studies should include dispersal explicitly and explore how and when intraspecific variation in dispersal affects local population dynamics. This approach could help evaluate species' habitat shifts, thus enabling suitable conservation strategies.

Evolutionary divergence and adaptive capacity in morphologically distinct song sparrow subspecies

Evolutionary divergence and adaptive capacity in morphologically distinct song sparrow subspecies

A critically endangered estuarine limpet’s only two populations are genomically and morphologically distinct

Abstract Seagrass habitats are declining worldwide, placing several seagrass‐associated animals at risk of extinction. The Critically Endangered limpet Siphonaria compressa is one of the rarest molluscs in Africa, and has been reported from only two disjunctive lagoons in South Africa. Being a highly specialized grazer that lives exclusively on the narrow blades of Cape eelgrass, Zostera capensis, which is itself listed as Endangered in the South African Red List and has decreased in abundance, conservation initiatives are urgently needed to ensure the long‐term survival of S. compressa. Molecular data (sequence data from the mitochondrial genome and single nucleotide polymorphism data of the nuclear genome) and morphological data were analysed to determine whether the two populations are conspecific, with implications for whether translocation between localities could be a viable management strategy to restore either population in the event of a collapse, or to maintain the genetic diversity of each population. Strong evidence emerged for the distinctness of the two populations, including a lack of shared mtDNA haplotypes that indicate an absence of contemporary gene flow, a divergence time that dates to the late Pleistocene, and a number of morphological characters that distinguish their shells. These findings indicate that the two populations are distinct cryptic subspecies. As the two populations occur in different temperature‐defined marine biogeographical regions, they are probably adapted to different thermal environments. Translocations are not recommended, as this management strategy has considerable potential to result in outbreeding depression and exacerbate the extinction risk. Instead, each population should be managed separately, and several alternative conservation measures are discussed, including the protection and restoration of seagrass beds.

The complete mitogenome of blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) from the Indian Himalayan Region and its comparative phylogenetic relationship with other related species

The ‘Bharal’ or ‘Himalayan Blue Sheep’ (Pseudois nayaur) is endemic to the Himalayan and Tibetan Regions. There are gaps in the available database for the blue sheep mitogenome sequencing from the Indian region. We sequenced and characterized the whole mitogenome of one blue sheep individual using the Illumina Nova-seq 6000 platform, which was 16,718 bp in length. It included 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and one non-coding control region (D loop). It was compared with other complete mitochondrial DNA sequences of blue sheep from the NCBI database. The whole mitogenome of blue sheep was found to be highly AT-biased (60%) and had a positive AT skew (0.121) and a negative GC skew (−0.341). In 13 PCGs of blue sheep, Leucine (15.58%) and tryptophan (2.72%) occurred most frequently. A typical secondary cloverleaf structure was observed for all tRNA genes except for tRNA-Ser, where a stable structure of dihydrouridine did not develop. The phylogenetic analysis showed Indian blue sheep population formed a separate clade with a genetic distance of 3.7 to 4.1% from the Chinese blue sheep population, suggesting it to be of a different lineage and genetically qualifies the status of distinct subspecies. The results of this study will help in further phylogenetic analysis of Indian blue sheep populations in the Western and Eastern Himalayan regions and in understanding lineage identification and evolution for further research.

Taxonomic revision of the genus Aulonocarabus (Coleoptera; Carabidae), with a phylogenetic analysis from South Korea

Previous studies reported four species and eight subspecies of the genus Aulonocarabus in South Korea. However, their morphological classification is difficult because of high morphological similarity. Our re-examination based on detailed morphological comparison confirmed that members of this group can be distinguished by their fully inflated endophallic structure and elytral sculpture. In addition, we performed molecular phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial ND5. Based on our results, we have revised the morphological keys of this group and propose an intraspecific classification of A. semiopacus that contains distinct regional subspecies with regard to external morphology and molecular phylogeny. Besides, distribution maps, descriptions, and photographs of adult and of male genitalia are provided.

Population structure and hybridization under contemporary and future climates in a heteroploid foundational shrub species (Artemisia tridentata).

Current and past climatic changes can shift plant climatic niches, which may cause spatial overlap or separation between related taxa. The former often leads to hybridization and introgression, which may generate novel variation and influence the adaptive capacity of plants. An additional mechanism facilitating adaptations to novel environments and an important evolutionary driver in plants is polyploidy as the result of whole genome duplication. Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush) is a landscape-dominating foundational shrub in the western United States which occupies distinct ecological niches, exhibiting diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Tetraploids have a large impact on the species' landscape dominance as they occupy a preponderance of the arid spectrum of A. tridentata range. Three distinct subspecies are recognized, which co-occur in ecotones - the transition zone between two or more distinct ecological niches - allowing for hybridization and introgression. Here we assess the genomic distinctiveness and extent of hybridization among subspecies at different ploidies under both contemporary and predicted future climates. We sampled five transects throughout the western United States where a subspecies overlap was predicted using subspecies-specific climate niche models. Along each transect, we sampled multiple plots representing the parental and the potential hybrid habitats. We performed reduced representation sequencing and processed the data using a ploidy-informed genotyping approach. Population genomic analyses revealed distinct diploid subspecies and at least two distinct tetraploid gene pools, indicating independent origins of the tetraploid populations. We detected low levels of hybridization (2.5%) between the diploid subspecies, while we found evidence for increased admixture between ploidy levels (18%), indicating hybridization has an important role in the formation of tetraploids. Our analyses highlight the importance of subspecies co-occurrence within these ecotones to maintain gene exchange and potential formation of tetraploid populations. Genomic confirmations of subspecies in the ecotones support the subspecies overlap predicted by the contemporary climate niche models. However, future mid-century projections of subspecies niches predict a substantial loss in range and subspecies overlap. Thus, reductions in hybridization potential could affect new recruitment of genetically variable tetraploids that are vital to this species' ecological role. Our results underscore the importance of ecotone conservation and restoration.

Morphological and morphometric study of the scapulae of Korean wild deer

Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus; Heude, 1884) and Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus; Pallas, 1771) are Korean wild deer classified in the tribe Capreolini. C. pygargus in Korea were previously considered a single species; however, it was recently suggested that roe deer living on Jeju Island (Jeju roe deer; Capreolus pygargus jejuensis) is a distinct subspecies from roe deer living on the Korean peninsula (mainland roe deer; Capreolus pygargus tianschanicus) based on several studies demonstrating genetic and morphological features. In this study, we suggests that the scapular morphology and osteometric data can be used for interspecies discrmination between Korean wild deer. To compare the morphological characteristics of scapula among the three groups of deer, we analyzed the features and nine osteomorphological measurements of 31 H. i. argyropus (14 males and 17 females), 18 C. p. jejuensis (4 males and 14 females), and 23 C. p. tianschanicus (16 females and 7 males). The estimated ages of the deer were over 32–35 months. Data were analyzed by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc Duncan test and discriminant functional analysis (DFA). H. i. argyropus and C. p. tianschanicus had the smallest and largest scapulae, respectively. The scapulae of the three Korean wild deer had a similar triangular shape, which was obscured by the tuber of the scapular spine, pointed acromion, broad infraspinous fossa, narrow supraspinous fossa, and partial ossification of scapular cartilage in older deer. H. i. argyropus had certain distinctive features, including a caudally pointed acromion, a notch between the supraglenoid tubercle and glenoid cavity (NBSG), a glenoid notch, and no sexual dimorphism, except for the longest dorsal length (Ld) and the scapular index (SI). C. p. jejuensis had a larger scapular index (SI) (61.74 ± 0.74%), compared with the SIs of H. i. argyropus and C. p. tianschanicus. The unique features of the scapula in C. p. jejuensis include its S-shaped cranial border. The C. p. jejuensis had a cranially pointed acromion, less frequent presence of glenoid notch and NBSG, short length of supraglenoid tubercle, and no sexual dimorphism. The C. p. tianschanicus had elevated cranial margin of the glenoid cavity, and frequent presence of glenoid notch and NBSG, similar to the H. i. argyropus. Similar to C. p. jejuensis, C. p. tianschanicus had a cranially pointed acromion. However, sexual dimorphism was observed in C. p. tianschanicus. DFA using osteometric data showed 97.22% of specimens were classified correctly into their species, meaning the osteometric parameters can be used for interspecies discrimination of Korean wild deer. Our findings indicate that the scapular morphologies of the three Korean wild deer have certain similarities and differences, suggesting that C. p. jejuensis are distinct from C. p. tianschanicus.

Genomics-based taxonomy to clarify cannabis classification.

In the 18th century, Carolus Linnaeus created a formalized system of classification of living organisms based on their anatomic relationships, which we know as taxonomic nomenclature. Historically, the genus Cannabis has been described three ways under this system: Cannabis sativa by C. Linnaeus in 1753, Cannabis indica by J.B. Lamarck in 1785, and Cannabis ruderalis by D.E. Janischewsky in 1924, with these taxonomic classifications having been derived from physical, morphological, chemical, and geographical data. Today, this confusing taxonomy has led to an ongoing debate about whether the genus Cannabis consists of a single species or multiple distinct species or subspecies. Recently, genome sequencing and bioinformatics have provided greater resolution of taxonomic assignments at the species level. As a result, some previously discussed classification frameworks have been brought into question. The aim of this review is to provide a historical context for the confusion surrounding the taxonomy of the genus Cannabis and highlight recent research on genomics-based taxonomical approaches to clarify the question of Cannabis taxonomy. We suggest that the latest evidence shifts away from the previous multiple species framework and points towards the genus Cannabis consisting of a highly diverse monotypic species.

Taxonomic Studies on Malagasy Dalbergia (Fabaceae). IV. A New Species from Central and Southern Madagascar and a Narrowed Circumscription for D. emirnensis

Dalbergia emirnensis Benth. was previously treated as comprising two entities, the typical variety from the Central Highlands of Madagascar and D. emirnensis var. decaryi Bosser & R. Rabev. from the southern part of the country at lower altitudes. Additional collections and analyses demonstrate that, as currently delimited, these taxa exhibit considerable, discontinuous variability in morphology, habitat, and distribution, a finding supported by a recent phylogenomic study. We show that the material previously included in the typical variety of D. emirnensis represents two morphologically and geographically distinct entities, one that occurs only in the Central Highlands of Madagascar and includes the type specimen, and another that is morphologically and genetically more akin to D. emirnensis var. decaryi, found in the Southern Highlands of Madagascar. We describe the latter as a new species, D. nemoralis Rakoton., Phillipson & Crameri, in which we include D. emirnensis var. decaryi, recognizing it as a distinct subspecies. We also show that D. campenonii Drake should be treated as a synonym of D. emirnensis. Each of the accepted taxa is provided with a full description, a comprehensive listing of specimens examined, details of its geographic distribution and habitat, and a provisional risk of extinction assessment using the IUCN Red List categories and criteria; a line drawing is also provided for D. nemoralis subsp. nemoralis.

Intraspecific divergence of diploid grass Aegilopscomosa is associated with structural chromosome changes.

Aegilopscomosa Smith in Sibthorp et Smith, 1806 is diploid grass with MM genome constitution occurring mainly in Greece. Two morphologically distinct subspecies - Ae.c.comosa Chennaveeraiah, 1960 and Ae.c.heldreichii (Holzmann ex Boissier) Eig, 1929 are discriminated within Ae.comosa, however, genetic and karyotypic bases of their divergence are not fully understood. We used Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with repetitive DNA probes and electrophoretic analysis of gliadins to characterize the genome and karyotype of Ae.comosa to assess the level of their genetic diversity and uncover mechanisms leading to radiation of subspecies. We show that two subspecies differ in size and morphology of chromosomes 3M and 6M, which can be due to reciprocal translocation. Subspecies also differ in the amount and distribution of microsatellite and satellite DNA sequences, the number and position of minor NORs, especially on 3M and 6M, and gliadin spectra mainly in the a-zone. Frequent occurrence of hybrids can be caused by open pollination, which, along with genetic heterogeneity of accessions and, probably, the lack of geographic or genetic barrier between the subspecies, may contribute to extremely broad intraspecific variation of GAAn and gliadin patterns in Ae.comosa, which are usually not observed in endemic plant species.

First mitogenome phylogeny of the sun bear Helarctos malayanus reveals a deep split between Indochinese and Sundaic lineages.

The sun bear Helarctos malayanus is one of the most endangered ursids, and to date classification of sun bear populations has been based almost exclusively on geographic distribution and morphology. The very few molecular studies focussing on this species were limited in geographic scope. Using archival and non-invasively collected sample material, we have added a substantial number of complete or near-complete mitochondrial genome sequences from sun bears of several range countries of the species' distribution. We here report 32 new mitogenome sequences representing sun bears from Cambodia, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. Reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships revealed two matrilines that diverged ~295 thousand years ago: one restricted to portions of mainland Indochina (China, Cambodia, Thailand; "Mainland clade"), and one comprising bears from Borneo, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia but also Thailand ("Sunda clade"). Generally recent coalescence times in the mitochondrial phylogeny suggest that recent or historical demographic processes have resulted in a loss of mtDNA variation. Additionally, analysis of our data in conjunction with shorter mtDNA sequences revealed that the Bornean sun bear, classified as a distinct subspecies (H. m. euryspilus), does not harbor a distinctive matriline. Further molecular studies of H. malayanus are needed, which should ideally include data from nuclear loci.

Comparative Evaluation of Current Biochemical-, Sequencing-, and Proteomic-Based Identification Methods for the Streptococcus bovis Group.

The Streptococcus bovis group (previously group D streptococci) consists of seven distinct species and subspecies. Definitive identification within the group is important, as certain organisms have been associated with gastrointestinal carcinoma, bacteremia, infective endocarditis, meningitis, biliary tract disease, and carcinoma, among others. Definitive identification, however, remains elusive due to limitations and inconsistencies across commonly used identification platforms in the United States. Here, we compared the performance of standard biochemical (Trek Gram-positive identification [GPID] plate, Vitek 2 GPID), sequencing (16S rDNA, sodA) databases (NCBI, RDP, CDC MicrobeNet), and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) platforms (Vitek MS, Bruker Biotyper MS) using a set of eight type strains representing all seven strains within the S. bovis group. Despite the evaluation of contemporary methods, no single platform was able to definitively identify all type strains within the S. bovis group. Vitek MS (85.7%, 7/8) provided the most accurate definitive identifications, followed by sodA sequencing (75%, 6/8). Vitek 2 and Bruker Biotyper RUO platforms performed the next best (62.5%, 5/8). All remaining platforms failed to adequately differentiate type strains within the S. bovis group (range, 0 to 37.5%). Laboratorians and clinicians should be aware of the identification limitations of routine testing algorithms and incorporate reflex testing, when appropriate, to platforms such as Vitek MS and/or sodA sequencing that are more able to definitively identify S. bovis group organisms. Further clinical evaluation was conducted using 65 clinical isolates from three geographically distinct U.S. institutions. Future improvements in identification platforms may reveal new clinical and epidemiological trends for members of the S. bovis group.

The distribution, specimens and status of Chestnut Owlet Glaucidium (capense) castaneum and Albertine Owlet G. (c.) albertinum

Chestnut Owlet Glaucidium (capense) castaneum and Albertine Owlet G. (c.) albertinum are poorly known members of the African Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense complex, confined to the Albertine Rift of East Africa. Recent taxonomic treatments have seen them variously considered as subspecies of capense, as separate monotypic species or, in the case of castaneum, a polytypic species. A paucity of museum material and field knowledge of each, combined with oversight and misinterpretation of some primary literature, has contributed to this uncertainty. This study reassesses their status and corrects numerous errors, misunderstandings and contradictions concerning specimen material, distribution, morphology and voice. Only four specimens of castaneum are known, there are no documented observations of the bird in life and no acoustic recordings. There are seven specimens of albertinum in collections. No field sightings have ever been documented but several recordings attributed to albertinum exist. Despite its close similarity to the voice of capense, there is no published evidence that albertinum reacts to playback, unlike the remaining taxa of the complex. I conclude that castaneum is a modestly distinct subspecies of capense. In contrast, albertinum, which differs conspicuously from the others in the complex by its disproportionately short tail, and which may be parapatric with castaneum, merits treatment as a species.

Description of Sphaleroptera orientana meridionalis subs. n. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Cnephasiini) from the Pale di San Martino Mountain plateau (Dolomites, NE Italy)

On the base of newly collected material, a new subspecies of the alpine endemic moth Sphaleroptera orientana Whitebread, 2006 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from the Pale di San Martino Group (Dolomites, Northern Italy) is described. Morphological characters of the adults and DNA barcode suggests the presence of allopatric populations of S. orientana in the South-eastern Alps, attributable to two distinct subspecies: S. o. suborientana Whitebread, 2006 in the Catinaccio, the Sella, and the Fanes group, and Julian Alps, and S. o. meridionalis subs. nov. known from the Pale of San Martino group. The main biogeographic barrier is constituted by the complex of the Fiemme valleys-Val di Fassa-by the Pordoi Pass and by the Val Cordevole which from west to north to east separate the distribution area of S. o. suorientana from S.o. meridionalis.

Seasonal distribution, movements and taxonomic status of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the northern Indian Ocean

There is a distinct population of blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus, in the northern Indian Ocean. The taxonomic status of these animals has long been uncertain, with debate over whether this population represents a distinct subspecies, and if so which name should apply. They have most frequently been assigned to B. musculus brevicauda, but are currently considered to be B. m. indica. The movements of these blue whales within the northern Indian Ocean are poorly understood. This paper reviews catches (n = 1,288), sightings (n = 448, with a minimum of 783 animals), strandings (n = 64) and acoustic detections (n = 6 locations); uses ocean colour data to estimate seasonality of primary productivity in different areas of the northern Indian Ocean; and develops a migration hypothesis. It is suggested that most of these whales feed in the Arabian Sea off the coasts of Somalia and the Arabian peninsula during the period of intense upwelling associated with the southwest monsoon (from about May to October). At the same time some blue whales also feed in the area of upwelling off the southwest coast of India and west coast of Sri Lanka. When the southwest monsoon dies down in about October–November these upwellings cease. The blue whales then disperse more widely to eke out the leaner months of the northeast monsoon (during about December to March) in other localised areas with seasonally high productivity. These include the east coast of Sri Lanka, the waters west of the Maldives, the vicinity of the Indus Canyon (at least historically), and some parts of the southern Indian Ocean. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that at least some of the blue whales that feed off the east coast of Sri Lanka in the northeast monsoon also feed in the Arabian Sea during the southwest monsoon. These whales appear to migrate eastwards past the north of Maldives and south of Sri Lanka in about December–January, returning westwards in about April–May

Феногеногеография популяций сосны обыкновенной Якутии и Приамурья

Abstract. To preserve biological diversity, it is necessary to determine the genetic structure of species populations, because this gives the most complete picture of the manifestation of polymorphism and makes it possible to detect genetically and phenotypically distinct subspecies. The information obtained will help determine the optimal habitat and protection conditions for endangered and farmed species. The purpose of research is to conduct an allozyme analysis of 10 populations of P. sylvestris L. 2 of the physiographic countries of Yakutia and the Amur region. Results. An allozyme analysis revealed less polymorphism and the most drastic differentiation of the Amur region populations (at the level of geographic race) from Yakutia populations, subdivided from each other at the level of geographical populations. Significant differences are shown between the populations of Yakutia and Amur Region according to the distances of Mahalanobis, calculated according to 19 signs of cones. A positive linear relationship was obtained between the distances of Mahalanobis (D2) and the genetic distances of Ney (DN78) (R2 = 0.4159). Scientific novelty. A dominant role in the origin of the Yakut populations of P. sylvestris of three Siberian group-gradual fellings (GGF) - Tynda, Romanovka, Irkutsk and a decrease in the genetic similarity of the GGF as they move away from Yakutia were found.

Reassessment of the subspecific status of the Australian Wet Tropics yellow-bellied glider, Petaurus australis

The Wet Tropics (WT) population of the yellow-bellied glider Petaurus australis Shaw, 1791 in North Queensland is listed as Endangered at the state and national level, but its taxonomic classification is currently uncertain. Here we expand on previous genetic and morphological analyses of the WT population with additional samples and genetic loci to re-assess its subspecific status. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) gene showed that the WT population formed a reciprocally monophyletic group relative to a group comprising P. australis from its remaining distribution in Australia. The genetic distinction of the WT population was further corroborated by analyses of the nuclear gene von Willebrand factor. Molecular clock analyses of combined ND2–ND4 data suggested that the WT population has been isolated from neighbouring populations in southern Queensland over multiple ice age cycles. Morphological analyses show that the WT gliders are smaller, with proportionally shortened faces, and have paler bellies compared to southern yellow-bellied gliders. We, therefore, propose that the WT population be recognised as a distinct subspecies which we herein describe. This taxonomic reassessment of P. australis has important implications for the ongoing conservation management of the WT population and yellow-bellied gliders throughout Australia.

Тайваньский чёрный коршун: существует ли подвид formosanus?

In 1920, a distinct Black Kite subspecies, Milvus migrans formosanus, was described on the island of Taiwan and since then it is officially recognized by all major taxonomic lists. However, there are no morphological or genetic studies that would confirm the existence of the Taiwanese kite as a separate, isolated population distinct from the mainland one. We compared 27 specimens from Taiwanese population with all the main Black Kite subspecies of Eurasia and Australia based on a mitochondrial cytochrome B gene fragment. It turned out that representatives of all the main haplogroups common in the mainland M. m. lineatus population currently live in Taiwan, however, 30% of the island population carries a special haplogroup that has not been found on the mainland. Thus, there is no reason to believe that an isolated population of a special subspecies M. m. formosanus may currently live in Taiwan. It is possible that such a population actually existed in the first half of the 20th century, but due to a catastrophic decline due to pesticide poisoning, as well as due to repeated hybridization with newcomers from the mainland population, the Black Kite of Taiwan is a mixed population that has little in common with M. m. formosanus, described more than 100 years ago.

First exact record and phylogenetic position of the gecko Ptyodactylus hasselquistii (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from Lebanon

The genus Ptyodactylus comprises 12 species distributed in North Africa and the Middle East. The most widely distributed species of the genus, Ptyodactylus hasselquistii, is known for its great morphological and genetic diversity, and ranges from Sudan and Egypt through Israel and Jordan towards Saudi Arabia and Yemen. In 1905 the first specimen of P. hasselquistii was collected from Lebanon, described later as a distinct subspecies, Ptyodactylus hasselquistii krameri. Here we provide a second record of P. hasselquistii from Lebanon collected in 2010, which represents the first exact record of the species in Lebanon in over 105 years. We use morphological comparisons and genetic analyses of two markers to account for the phylogenetic position of the new specimen within Ptyodactylus and to evaluate the taxonomic status of P. h. krameri. This integrative examination revealed a close association of the Lebanese specimen with nominotypic P. hasselquistii populations from Egypt and Sudan suggesting a relatively recent introduction from that general area. Similar morphological characteristics between the two Lebanese specimens and those from Egypt, and identical genetic sequences, suggest rejecting subspecific status of the Lebanese population and synonymizing the name Ptyodactylus hasselquistii krameri with the name Ptyodactylus hasselquistii.