Title
Untangling cryptic diversity in the High Andes: Revision of the Scytalopus [magellanicus] complex (Rhinocryptidae) in Peru reveals three new species
Date Issued
01 April 2020
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Krabbe N.K.
Schulenberg T.S.
Hosner P.A.
Rosenberg K.V.
Davis T.J.
Rosenberg G.H.
Lane D.F.
Andersen M.J.
Robbins M.B.
Cadena C.D.
Salter J.F.
Spencer A.J.
Fjeldså J.
Publisher(s)
Oxford University Press
Abstract
Tropical mountains feature marked species turnover along elevational gradients and across complex topography, resulting in great concentrations of avian biodiversity. In these landscapes, particularly among morphologically conserved and difficult to observe avian groups, species limits still require clarification. One such lineage is Scytalopus tapaculos, which are among the morphologically most conserved birds. Attention to their distinctive vocal repertoires and phylogenetic relationships has resulted in a proliferation of newly identified species, many of which are restricted range endemics. Here, we present a revised taxonomy and identify species limits among high-elevation populations of Scytalopus tapaculos inhabiting the Peruvian Andes. We employ an integrated framework using a combination of vocal information, mitochondrial DNA sequences, and appearance, gathered from our own fieldwork over the past 40 yr and supplemented with community-shared birdsong archives and museum specimens. We describe 3 new species endemic to Peru. Within all 3 of these species there is genetic differentiation, which in 2 species is mirrored by subtle geographic plumage and vocal variation. In a fourth species, Scytalopus schulenbergi, we document deep genetic divergence and plumage differences despite overall vocal similarity. We further propose that an extralimital taxon, Scytalopus opacus androstictus, be elevated to species rank, based on a diagnostic vocal character. Our results demonstrate that basic exploration and descriptive work using diverse data sources continues to identify new species of birds, particularly in tropical environs.
Volume
137
Issue
2
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Zoología, Ornitología, Entomología, ciencias biológicas del comportamiento
Arqueología
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85085019383
Source
Auk
ISSN of the container
00048038
Sponsor(s)
Funding statement: Most fieldwork was funded by the institutions with which the authors were affiliated, but University of Kansas fieldwork in Junín was carried out during an avian infectious disease-monitoring project funded by the Department of Epidemiology and Emerging Infections, US Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU), and KU fieldwork in Ayacucho and Cusco was funded by the National Geographic Society Committee for Research and Exploration and Tinker Foundation Field Research Grants. Portions of the DNA sequencing were funded by OpenWings (NSF DEB-1655559, DEB-1655624, DEB-1655683, DEB-1655736). Ethics statement: The study has followed the Commission on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.
Most fieldwork was funded by the institutions with which the authors were affiliated, but University of Kansas fieldwork in Jun?n was carried out during an avian infectious disease-monitoring project funded by the Department of Epidemiology and Emerging Infections, US Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU), and KU fieldwork in Ayacucho and Cusco was funded by the National Geographic Society Committee for Research and Exploration and Tinker Foundation Field Research Grants. Portions of the DNA sequencing were funded by OpenWings (NSF DEB-1655559, DEB-1655624, DEB-1655683, DEB-1655736)
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus