Taxonomic implications of geographical variation in Rhinolophus affinis (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) in mainland Southeast Asia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rhinolophusaffinis sensu lato isdistributed throughout Southeast Asia. The taxonomic status of forms attributed to the species is unclear due to the limited sample size with incomplete datasets and the taxa have high variation in morphology and echolocation call frequency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution and taxonomic status of the subspecific forms of R. affinis in mainland Southeast Asia using large sample size with multiple datasets, including morphological, acoustic, and genetic data, both to elucidate taxonomic relationships and to test for congruence between these datasets.

Results

Three morphological forms were confirmed within the region; two concur with previously recognized taxa, namely R.affinis macrurus and

SUBMITTER: Ith S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6661434 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature