Ancient DNA resolves identity and phylogeny of New Zealand's extinct and living quail (Coturnix sp.).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The New Zealand quail, Coturnix novaezealandiae, was widespread throughout New Zealand until its rapid extinction in the 1870's. To date, confusion continues to exist concerning the identity of C. novaezealandiae and its phylogenetic relationship to Coturnix species in neighbouring Australia, two of which, C. ypsilophora and C. pectoralis, were introduced into New Zealand as game birds. The Australian brown quail, C. ypsilophora, was the only species thought to establish with current populations distributed mainly in the northern part of the North Island of New Zealand. Owing to the similarities between C. ypsilophora, C. pectoralis, and C. novaezealandiae, uncertainty has arisen over whether the New Zealand quail is indeed extinct, with suggestions that remnant populati

SUBMITTER: Seabrook-Davison M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2712072 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature