article · BMC Evolutionary Biology
An analysis of six African horseshoe bat species groups reveals multiple deeply divergent genetic lineages, indicating the potential presence of up to twelve undescribed cryptic species. Several of these closely related lineages occur in the same geographical areas. Coalescent lineage delimitation methods provide statistical support for previously unrecognised lineages across four of the six studied African groups. Conversely, phylogenetic analyses combining mitochondrial and nuclear data suggest that between two and five currently recognised species names may be invalid. Confirming whether these cryptic lineages represent distinct species, and formally placing redundant species names into synonymy, will necessitate integrative taxonomic work that combines morphology, acoustics, distribution, ecology, and behaviour. Overall, this reconstructed evolutionary framework establishes a foundation for future investigations into the ecology and evolutionary history of African horseshoe bats.
Accurate species classification is essential for understanding African biodiversity. By identifying hidden diversity and correcting invalid species designations among horseshoe bats, this evolutionary framework helps scientists properly identify fauna. Clarifying these biological boundaries provides a reliable foundation for subsequent ecological research, conservation planning, and evolutionary studies across African bat populations.
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Multiple well-supported and deeply divergent lineages were resolved in each of the six African Rhinolophus species groups analyzed, suggesting as many as 12 undescribed cryptic species; these include several instances of sympatry among close relatives. Coalescent lineage delimitation offered support for new undescribed lineages in four of the six African groups in this study. On the other hand, two to five currently recognized species may be invalid based on combined mitochondrial and/or nuclear phylogenetic analyses. Validation of these cryptic lineages as species and formal relegation of current names to synonymy will require integrative taxonomic assessments involving morphology, ecology, acoustics, distribution, and behavior. The resulting phylogenetic framework offers a powerful basis for addressing questions regarding their ecology and evolution.
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DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1485-1
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