An integrative taxonomic approach to assess the status of C orsican bumblebees: implications for conservation

• Published in: Animal conservation Vol. 18; no. 3; pp. 236 - 248
• Main Authors: Lecocq, T., Brasero, N., De Meulemeester, T., Michez, D., Dellicour, S., Lhomme, P., de Jonghe, R., Valterová, I., Urbanová, K., Rasmont, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-06-2015
• ISSN: 1367-9430; 1469-1795
• DOI: 10.1111/acv.12164

Abstract
Many islands are biodiversity hotspots that host numerous endemic species. Unfortunately, insular faunas suffer from high rates of extinction and endangerment, and numerous conservation plans have been developed for their protection. These conservation plans are often assessed on the basis of occurrence and proportion of endemic taxa. However, delimitations of species and subspecies are still confusing and controversial. From a practical point of view, these disagreements make it difficult for government agencies and non‐governmental organizations to initiate conservation measures. The present study develops a pragmatic integrative taxonomic approach on the basis of molecular and eco‐chemical criteria. This method is applied to the insular bumblebee fauna of
C
orsica. For each taxon, the differentiation of
C
orsican taxa from the nearest related allopatric parents is characterized using genetic markers and the chemical composition of cephalic labial gland secretions. Phylogenetic analyses,
B
ayesian implementation of the general mixed
Y
ule‐coalescent approach, and comparative chemical studies show that two
C
orsican taxa can be considered as endemic species while five others can be considered as subspecies. Regardless of the taxonomic assessment the method facilitates diagnosis of evolutionarily significant units and rank taxa according to their distinctiveness.
I
nternational
U
nion for
C
onservation of
N
ature red lists are reconsidered according to the new taxonomic hypothesis for
C
orsican bumblebees. Modifications in species assessments are proposed. The present approach provides useful data sets for policy‐makers and conservation organizations.