Molecular biogeography: towards an integrated framework for Ccnserving pan-African biodiversity

Moodley, Yoshan and Bruford, Michael William ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6357-6080 2007. Molecular biogeography: towards an integrated framework for Ccnserving pan-African biodiversity. PLoS ONE 2 (5) , e454. 10.1371/journal.pone.0000454

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Abstract

Background. Biogeographic models partition ecologically similar species assemblages into discrete ecoregions. However, the history, relationship and interactions between these regions and their assemblages have rarely been explored. Methodology/Principal Findings. Here we develop a taxon-based approach that explicitly utilises molecular information to compare ecoregion history and status, which we exemplify using a continentally distributed mammalian species: the African bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). We reveal unprecedented levels of genetic diversity and structure in this species and show that ecoregion biogeographic history better explains the distribution of molecular variation than phenotypic similarity or geography. We extend these data to explore ecoregion connectivity, identify core habitats and infer ecological affinities from them. Conclusions/Significance. This analysis defines 28 key biogeographic regions for sub-Saharan Africa, and provides a valuable framework for the incorporation of genetic and biogeographic information into a more widely applicable model for the conservation of continental biodiversity.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Biosciences Sustainable Places Research Institute (PLACES)
Publisher:	Public Library of Science
ISSN:	1932-6203
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2024 02:53
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/61560

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