Genetic differentiation, taxonomy and conservation of Australasian tealsAnasspp.

Abstract

SummaryAustralasian teal consist of five taxa (Anas gracilis, A. castanea, A. chlorotis, A. aucklandicaandA. nesiotis) whose taxonomic identities and relationships have been uncertain. Analysis of variation at 14 allozyme loci indicates limited but clear divergence of New Zealand taxa (A. chlorotis, A. aucklandica, A. nesiotis), in agreement with previous studies of morphological variation. The New Zealand taxa are “terminal and evolutionarily independent units” that clearly meet the criteria for specific recognition in line with the phylogenetic species concept (PSC). Because each is also geographically restricted and has small world population size, specific recognition supports increased conservation status for each. The three New Zealand species do not form a sister group withA. castanea, as previously hypothesized; instead,A. castaneaandA. gracilisare sister taxa.