The taxonomy of the endemic golden palm civet of Sri Lanka

Groves, Colin P.; Rajapaksha, Channa; Manemandra-Arachchi, Kelum

doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.2008.00451.x

Cited by 15 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…However, additional molecular evidence is necessary to confirm this. Moreover, the taxonomy within P. zeylonensis has recently been questioned on the basis of morphology (Groves et al. , 2009) and should be investigated in a molecular framework.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolutionary history of the Paradoxurus palm civets – a new model for Asian biogeography

Patou

Wilting

Gaubert

et al. 2010

Journal of Biogeography

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Aim Using molecular data and dental features, we investigated the genetic and morphological diversity among species of palm civets in the genus Paradoxurus, with a focus on the common palm civet, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Carnivora, Viverridae), in order to address biogeographic scenarios and provide recommendations for a taxonomic revision.Location Asia: Pakistan to the Lesser Sunda Islands.Methods We investigated the genetic diversity within Paradoxurus using two mitochondrial (cytochrome b, control region) and one nuclear (intron 7 of the b-fibrinogen) markers. We used samples from 85 individuals of P. hermaphroditus (including 20 museum specimens) and one representative of each of the other species in the genus Paradoxurus: Paradoxurus jerdoni and Paradoxurus zeylonensis. DNA sequences were analysed using phylogenetic and haplotype network methods, and divergence dates were estimated for the clades retrieved. Furthermore, we examined dental characters from a large series of specimens and compared the morphological variation with the molecular data. ResultsOur phylogenetic analyses revealed that P. hermaphroditus is paraphyletic. We identified three major lineages distributed: (1) in the Indian subcontinent, south China, Hainan and in areas above 200 m in Indochina; (2) in Peninsular Malaysia, Java, Sumatra and in areas below 200 m in Indochina; and (3) in Borneo, the Philippines and the Mentawai archipelago. Our morphological observations were congruent with these three molecular lineages. Divergence date estimates inferred a Pliocene origin for Paradoxurus (2.8-5.7 Ma), with the three main clades diversifying from the mid-Early Pliocene to the end of the Pliocene. We suggest that the flooding of the Isthmus of Kra during the Pliocene was a major event shaping the diversification of Paradoxurus palm civets. We also hypothesize that the elevational segregation of the two lineages on the mainland could have resulted from the vegetational changes that were induced by Late Pliocene glacial episodes.Main conclusions The Isthmus of Kra is a major boundary between two major lineages of P. hermaphroditus. There is a need for a taxonomic revision for P. hermaphroditus, and we suggest that this species should be split into at least three species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evolutionary history of the Paradoxurus palm civets – a new model for Asian biogeography

Patou

Wilting

Gaubert

et al. 2010

Journal of Biogeography

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“…On the basis of morphology, Groves et al. () have proposed splitting P. zeylonensis into three or four species, but molecular evidence was lacking in their study. They suggested that golden colour morphs should be attributed to Paradoxurus aureus F. Cuvier, 1822, and brown ones to Paradoxurus montanus Kelaart .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…Two recent studies have suggested the existence of cryptic or overlooked species within the Paradoxurus genus (Groves et al. ; Patou et al. ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How many species of Paradoxurus civets are there? New insights from India and Sri Lanka

Veron

Patou

Tóth

et al. 2014

J Zoolog Syst Evol Res

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Using molecular data and morphological features, we investigated the species limits and genetic diversity among populations of the Asian palm civets of the genus Paradoxurus. Our main objectives were to determine the number of species within Paradoxurus hermaphroditus and to test the validity of the newly proposed species within Paradoxurus zeylonensis. Fragments of two mitochondrial (Cytochrome b, Control Region) and one nuclear (intron 7 of the beta fibrinogen) markers were sequenced from 128 individuals of P. hermaphroditus, P. zeylonensis and Paradoxurus jerdoni. DNA sequences were analysed using phylogenetic and haplotype network methods. Our analyses confirmed that P. hermaphroditus comprises three major clades, which should be recognized as separate species: P. hermaphroditus (Indian and Indochinese regions), Paradoxurus musangus (mainland Southeast Asia, Sumatra, Java and other small Indonesian islands) and Paradoxurus philippinensis (Mentawai Islands, Borneo and the Philippines). Furthermore, we have proposed that there are two subspecies within both P. musangus and P. philippinensis, and there might be at least two or three subspecies within P. hermaphroditus. We found a very low genetic diversity and no geographical structure within P. zeylonensis and did not find any support for splitting P. zeylonensis into several species nor subspecies. Finally, we confirmed that P. jerdoni and P. zeylonensis are sister species.

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“…From a regional perspective, Sri Lankan primates show the highest diversity per unit land area among south Asian primates (Dittus, 2013). Similarly, the relatively small bodied civets and mongooses (Viverridae) are taxonomically diverse (Groves et al, 2009) and exhibit endemic taxa in all zones with overall 74% endemism. The smaller bodied chevrotains (Tragulidae) among the Artiodactyla have evolved one endemic species widespread from the arid zone (A) to the submontane zone (D2) and another is restricted to the montane zone (D3) (Groves and Meijaard, 2005).…”

Section: The Environmental Arena For Mammalian Diversificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Most recently, morphometric comparisons among loris populations point to two new subspecies (Gamage et al, 2017 online). Phylogenetic studies, in particular, have uncovered at least five new species that formerly were thought of as subspecies (Groves and Meijaard, 2005;Meegaskumbura et al, 2007;Meegaskumbura and Schneider, 2008;Groves et al, 2009;Dissanayake and Oschida, 2012). Baker and Bradley (2006) estimate that genetic investigations will uncover >2,000 new and "cryptic species" worldwide.…”

Section: The Environmental Arena For Mammalian Diversificationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The biogeography and ecology of Sri Lankan mammals point to conservation priorities

Dittus

2017

Ceylon J. Sci.

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All mammals originated on the supercontinent of Pangaea in the Mesozoic era during the "Age of Reptiles." However, the crown ancestors of contemporary mammals did not flourish until major environmental and biotic changes had occurred. An asteroid collided with earth at the end of the Cretaceous Period (the K-Pg boundary event) wiping out nonflying dinosaurs and primitive mammals. It was followed by large-scale volcanism, a spike in atmospheric oxygen and the proliferation of flowering plants. New niches became available for the ancestors of today's mammals to fill. Evidence suggesting whether the ancestors of the Sri Lankan and Indian mammals originated on the tectonically marooned Indian plate before crashing into Asia or on the Laurasian supercontinent is inconclusive. Modern Sri Lankan mammals show their greatest affinity with those of southern India, and were more diverse in the Pleistocene when rhinoceros, hippopotamus, wild dogs, gaur and lions enriched the island's landscapes. Native Sri Lankan land-based mammals are diversified into about 108 unique taxa (among 91 species and 53 genera), differentiated as phenotypic adaptations to sharply contrasting environments among seven major phyto-climatic zones. Endemic subspecies are distributed fairly equally across different phyto-climatic zones (n=24 to 29), except in the highlands where they are fewer (n=14) having evolved rapidly to species and genera among the insectivores and rodents whose reproductive rates are high. Conversely, greater numbers of endemic species (n=13) and genera (n=3) occur in the highlands than in the other zones (2-6 endemic species, no endemic genera). The prevalence of endemism is inversely related to body size or vagility. This suggests a greater probability of genetic exchange among distant populations of large bodied mobile mammals within Sri Lanka, as well as with Indian fauna during periods of land bridges in the Pleistocene. Most (8 of 13) endangered and critically endangered endemic mammals occur in the wet montane regions that offer the least Protected Areas (PAs). More than 85% of PAs occur in the extensive dry zone about half of which is not suited for water dependent mammals whose distributions are restricted to alluvial forests (less than 1% of PAs). Historically, the national cost of conservation has been low and therefore politically palatable. Current conservation urgently requires a major change in management policy combined with realistic investment to prevent extinctions of many endemic mammals and other unique Sri Lankan biota.

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The taxonomy of the endemic golden palm civet of Sri Lanka

Cited by 15 publications

References 4 publications

Evolutionary history of the Paradoxurus palm civets – a new model for Asian biogeography

Evolutionary history of the Paradoxurus palm civets – a new model for Asian biogeography

How many species of Paradoxurus civets are there? New insights from India and Sri Lanka

The biogeography and ecology of Sri Lankan mammals point to conservation priorities

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