AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

A molecular phylogeny of Amazona: implications for Neotropical parrot biogeography, taxonomy, and conservation

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2004
Authors:Russello, MA, Amato, G
Journal:Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Volume:30
Date Published:2004
ISBN Number:1055-7903
Keywords:Alipiopsitta, Alipiopsitta xanthops, Amazon, Amazona, Amazona albifrons, Amazona xanthops, Data set influence, Graydidascalus, Graydidascalus brachyurus, Hidden support, Parrot evolution, Parrots (Psittaciformes, Aves), Partitioned branch support, Psittacidae, Salvatoria
Abstract:Amazon parrots (Genus Amazona) are among the most recognizable and imperiled of all birds. Several hypotheses regarding the evolutionary history of Amazona are investigated using a combined phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data from six partitions including mitochondrial (COI, 12S, and 16S) and nuclear (β-fibint7, RP40, and TROP) regions. The results demonstrate that Amazona is not monophyletic with respect to the placement of the Yellow-faced parrot (Amazona xanthops), as first implied by Ribeiro (1920). In addition, the analysis corroborates previous studies suggesting a Neotropical short-tailed parrot genus as sister to Amazona. At a finer level, the phylogeny resolves the Greater Antillean endemic species as constituting a monophyletic group, including the Central American Amazona albifrons, while further revealing a paraphyletic history for the extant Amazon species of the Lesser Antilles. The reconstructed phylogeny provides further insights into the mainland sources of the Antillean Amazona, reveals areas of taxonomic uncertainty within the genus, and presents historical information that may be included in conservation priority-setting for Amazon parrots.
URL:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1055790303001921
Taxonomic name: 
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith