Taxonomic reassessment of captive sugar gliders using genetic analyses and complementary acoustic data.

ABSTRACT: Accurate species identification is crucial for managing ex-situ populations, especially in cryptic species complexes where taxonomic uncertainty may compromise conservation. The sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps s.l.) is a small nocturnal marsupial commonly bred in zoos and is popular in the exotic pet trade. Recent taxonomic revisions revealed substantial cryptic diversity within the complex, raising concerns about species identity and geographic origin of captive individuals. We used an integrative approach combining genetic and acoustic analyses to assess the taxonomic status of captive P. breviceps s.l. populations. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial ND2 and ND4 genes showed a strong genetic affinity between European and United States captive populations, suggesting a shared origin

SUBMITTER: Mulko M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12748748 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature