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<p>The efficient allocation of scarce conservation resources is critical for effective conservation outcomes for rare and threatened species. Typically, conservation protections are given to taxonomically recognised entities, yet if taxonomic classifications are based on old data from limited specimens, conservation actions may be ill-informed and resources poorly prioritised. Here, we use population genetic and morphometric approaches to re-evaluate the taxonomic distinction of a Critically Endangered subspecies (ssp. s<i>quamosa</i>) from the morphologically similar, non-threatened, typical subspecies of the ‘featherflower’ shrub, <i>Verticordia spicata</i> (Myrtaceae), in southwestern Australia. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses based on genome-wide SNP data revealed some differentiation of ssp. <i>squamosa</i> populations, consistent with population structure and genetic drift in small, isolated populations at the edge of a species’ range. Morphometrically, floral characters tended to be shorter in ssp. <i>squamosa</i>, consistent with the original diagnostic circumscription, but with the addition of more specimens than those available in the original taxonomic assessment, the range of variation in these characters formed a continuum rather than discrete morphological groups. Moreover, we detected similar or greater genetic and morphological variation within the widespread range of ssp. <i>spicata</i> than between the two subspecies. We conclude that populations of ssp. <i>squamosa</i> represent a component of the total diversity within <i>V. spicata</i> but not as a distinct lineage or taxon requiring targeted conservation actions. Our study demonstrates the value of using updated data and analytical methods to inform taxonomic and conservation decisions, to ensure efficient and best-practice use of conservation resources.</p>

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Genomic and morphological evidence do not support taxonomic recognition of the critically endangered scaly-leaved featherflower, Verticordia spicata subsp. squamosa (Myrtaceae): implications for conservation in a biodiversity hotspot

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月15日

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  • Donna Bradbury,
  • Rachel M. Binks,
  • Alanna Chant,
  • Leonie Monks,
  • Barbara L. Rye,
  • Margaret Byrne

摘要

The efficient allocation of scarce conservation resources is critical for effective conservation outcomes for rare and threatened species. Typically, conservation protections are given to taxonomically recognised entities, yet if taxonomic classifications are based on old data from limited specimens, conservation actions may be ill-informed and resources poorly prioritised. Here, we use population genetic and morphometric approaches to re-evaluate the taxonomic distinction of a Critically Endangered subspecies (ssp. squamosa) from the morphologically similar, non-threatened, typical subspecies of the ‘featherflower’ shrub, Verticordia spicata (Myrtaceae), in southwestern Australia. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses based on genome-wide SNP data revealed some differentiation of ssp. squamosa populations, consistent with population structure and genetic drift in small, isolated populations at the edge of a species’ range. Morphometrically, floral characters tended to be shorter in ssp. squamosa, consistent with the original diagnostic circumscription, but with the addition of more specimens than those available in the original taxonomic assessment, the range of variation in these characters formed a continuum rather than discrete morphological groups. Moreover, we detected similar or greater genetic and morphological variation within the widespread range of ssp. spicata than between the two subspecies. We conclude that populations of ssp. squamosa represent a component of the total diversity within V. spicata but not as a distinct lineage or taxon requiring targeted conservation actions. Our study demonstrates the value of using updated data and analytical methods to inform taxonomic and conservation decisions, to ensure efficient and best-practice use of conservation resources.