What is it about?
We investigated the taxonomic position of the Cape Parrot within the genus Poicephalus using multi-locus DNA data analyses. Sequencing data from mitochondrial as well as one nuclear intron region was used in conjunction with 11 microsatellite markers. A 138 specimens from 5 Poicephalus species were analysed.
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Why is it important?
Our findings showed that the Cape Parrot forms a genetically distinct taxonomic unit, supporting previous suggestions that this parrot should be classified as a species separate from the closely related Grey-headed Parrot and Brown-necked Parrot.
Perspectives
This article and the other preceding Cape Parrot articles which urged for full species status of the Cape Parrot, formed an integral part to CITES and IUCN recognising Cape Parrots as a separate species. This was a great accomplishment for myself as a young scientist.
Willem G. Coetzer
University of the Free State
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Molecular Systematics of the Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus): Implications for Taxonomy and Conservation, PLOS One, August 2015, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133376.
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