A major problem with ecological conservation and management is determining the range and abundance of species, especially among invertebrates and plants. This has previously been thought of as being more problematic in developing nations where research is limited. This study shows that even in developed countries such as Australia we must re-evaluate how we look at conservation management.
To demonstrate this researchers at the University of Adelaide conducted a survey of mtDNA, allozyme and chromosomal variation in the Australian gecko genus Diplodactylus (see photo). This genus has a relatively rich history of taxonomic research. The data collected suggests that the actual species diversity within this genus is at least double the current total, increasing from thirteen to twenty-nine species.
This study should change the way we look at conservation, particularly biodiversity management. One of the researchers commented, " This has great significance for conservation. For instance, what was once thought to be a single, very widespread species of gecko has turned out to be eight or nine seperate species with much narrower, more restricted habitats and possibly much more vulnerable to environmental change." This highlights the importance for further morphological and genetic study needed to improve our understanding of speciation in vertebrates, invertebrates and plants, which may well save many species from extinction.
References:
Journal: Paul M. Oliver, Mark Adams, Michael S.Y. Lee, Mark N. Hutchinson, Paul Doughty. Cryptic diversity in vertebrates: molecular data doubles estimates of species diversity in a radiation of Australian lizards (Diplodactylus, Gekkota). Proceedings of the Royal Society: B, March 4,2009.
Adapted from materials provided by the University of Adelaide.
Christopher Beavon s4012562
