Archival DNA reveals cryptic biodiversity within the Spotted Shag (Phalacrocorax punctatus) from New Zealand. (6th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rawlence, Nicolas J; Rayner, Matt J; Lovegrove, Tim G; Stoddart, Debbie; Vermeulen, Melanie; Easton, Luke J; Tennyson, Alan J D; Scofield, R Paul; Kennedy, Martyn; Spencer, Hamish; Waters, Jonathan M
• Is Part Of: Condor. Volume 121:Number 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08-06
• Subjects: aDNA -- archival-DNA -- Blue Shag -- New Zealand -- Phalacrocorax featherstoni -- Phalacrocorax punctatus -- Phalacrocorax punctatus oliveri -- Pitt Island Shag -- Spotted Shag; ADN de archivo -- ADN de cualquier tipo -- Nueva Zelanda -- Phalacrocorax featherstoni -- Phalacrocorax punctatus -- Phalacrocorax punctatus oliveri; Birds -- Periodicals; Birds -- California -- Periodicals; Ornithology -- Periodicals; Oiseaux -- Périodiques; Oiseaux -- Pacifique, Côte du -- Périodiques; Birds; Ornithology; California; Periodicals; 598
• DOI: 10.1093/condor/duz029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-5422

Abstract

Abstract: Genetic data are increasingly being used to prioritize species conservation in a fiscally constrained age of seemingly boundless conservation crises. Such data can also reveal previously cryptic biodiversity requiring further revision of conservation management guidelines. Using a combination of mitochondrial (control region) and nuclear (beta fibrinogen intron 7) DNA, and morphology, we reveal that the endemic New Zealand Spotted Shag ( Phalacrocorax punctatus ) complex exhibits phylogenetic structure that is decoupled from previously recorded qualitative morphological variation. Crucially, the most genetically distinct populations within P. punctatus are from northern New Zealand; recent surveys show that these populations, which house important genetic diversity within Spotted Shags, are in danger of being extirpated. In contrast, we find the previously phenotypically differentiated nominate ( P. punctatus punctatus ) and Blue ( P. punctatus oliveri ) Shag subspecies show no genetic and morphological separation, and are of least conservation concern.