Integrative taxonomic investigation ofPetaurus breviceps(Marsupialia: Petauridae) reveals three distinct species

Abstract

The Australian sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps s.l., is widely distributed across eastern and northern Australia. Examination of historical and contemporary collections of Petaurus specimens and phylogenetic analyses have revealed considerable taxonomic diversity within the genus. We aimed to utilize an integrative taxonomic approach, combining genetic and morphological evidence, to resolve the taxonomy of Australian gliders currently recognized as Petaurus breviceps. Herein, we confirm the existence of three distinct species: P. breviceps, P. notatus comb. nov. and P. ariel comb. nov.. Petaurus breviceps and P. notatus are each represented by major mtDNA lineages in P. breviceps, while P. ariel forms a sister-lineage to P. norfolcensis and P. gracilis. Subtle morphological differences distinguish P. breviceps from the closely related P. notatus, while the morphological distinctions between P. ariel and its genetically similar sister-taxa, P. norfolcensis and P. gracilis, are more obvious. Given the purported broad geographic distribution of the taxon, P. breviceps s.l. was not listed as threatened, but dividing this taxon into three species has important conservation implications for all taxa in the group, particularly given the lamentable record for mammal extinctions in Australia. Concerted and targeted conservation efforts are necessary to preserve these distinct, newly described species.

A Major Highway Acts to Genetically Structure a Sugar Glider (Petaurus Breviceps) Population

“…In conclusion, this research was particularly insightful due to the recent division of the once sugar gliders into three glider species (sugar glider, krefft's glider and savanna glider) (Cremona et al 2020). The results of this study suggests that the overall sugar glider population in Lake Macquarie LGA has appropriate levels of random mating with high levels of gene ow, however there is evidence that the relatively recent installation of the Paci c Motorway (30 -35 years ago) is starting to impose genetic structure on either side of the road.…”

“…Although sugar gliders are listed as a common speacies, threats to populations from ongoing urbanisation and land clearing remains a concern for their ongoing survival. In addition to this, sugar gliders were recently divided into three separate species: the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps, found in Lake Macquarie and east of the Great Dividing Range), krefft's glider (Petaurus notatus, found in eastern Australia, though west of the Great Dividing Range and in Tasmania where it is an introduced species) and savanna glider (Petaurusariel, found in northern Australia) (Cremona et al 2020). Because of this division, the conservation status of the species' perhaps need revision since there has likely been an overestimation of its range and effective population size by past studies that considered these as a single species.…”

“…Because of this division, the conservation status of the species' perhaps need revision since there has likely been an overestimation of its range and effective population size by past studies that considered these as a single species. Cremona et al (2020) call for targeted research on the three seperate species to better understand their ecology and identify any areas of conservation concern. Here we use genome-wide SNP markers to investigate the effect of habitat fragmentation on sugar glider (P. breviceps) population genetics in the Lake Macquarie LGA.…”

Illuminating den‐tree selection by an arboreal mammal using terrestrial laser scanning in northern Australia

“…Petaurus ariel is an obligate hollow‐denning arboreal marsupial (65–140 g; Cremona et al 2020). Although previously listed as P. breviceps subsp.…”

“…Although previously listed as P. breviceps subsp. ariel (Malekian et al 2010), the species has recently been taxonomically reclassified and elevated to species level (Cremona et al 2020). Petaurus ariel occurs exclusively in the tropical savannas of northern Australia.…”