Diversity, extinction, and threat status in Lagomorphs

• DOI: 10.1111/ecog.01063
• Publication Date: 2015-03-05T06:08:51Z
• Authors: Luis D. Verde Arr...; Katie Leach; Neil Reid; Diana O. Fisher
• Keywords: Extinction (optical mineralogy); Phylogenetic diversity; Mammal

A quarter of all lagomorphs (pikas, rabbits, hares and jackrabbits) are threatened with extinction, including several genera that contain only one species. The number species in a genus correlates extinction risk lagomorphs, but not other mammal groups, this is concerning because the non‐random small clades disproportionately threatens genetic diversity phylogenetic history. Here, we use analyses to explore properties lagomorph phylogeny test if variation evolution, biogeography ecology between taxa explains current patterns risk. Threat status was related body size (and, by inference, its biological correlates), there no signal We show has similar clade‐size distribution mammals, found unrelated present climate, topography, or geographic range size. Extinction greater areas higher human population density negatively correlated anthropogenically modified habitat. Consistent this, habitat generalists were less likely be threatened. Our models did predict threat accurately for experience region‐specific threats. suggest pressure from populations so severe widespread it overrides ecological, biological, extant lagomorphs.