Underestimated and cryptic diversification patterns across Afro‐tropical lowland forests

• DOI: 10.1111/jbi.13505
• Publication Date: 2019-01-16T01:29:41Z
• Authors: Jerry W. Huntley; Katrina D. Keith; Adrian A. Castell...; Lukas J. Musher; Gary Voelker
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Abstract Aim Vertebrate diversity in the Guineo‐Congolian forests (GCF) of Africa is high, yet mechanisms responsible for generating that remain remarkably understudied. These have alternatively been viewed as centres diversification (“cradles”) or more recently, opposite (“museums”). Here, we use a comparative dataset avian and mammalian species to examine genetic patterns across these results explain observed light Plio‐Pleistocene climatic change life‐history. Location Africa. Methods We analysed GCF using composed 629 1,048 mitochondrial sequences from 60 36 species, respectively. Uncorrected pairwise distances were compared at three distinct geographical levels: west versus east Dahomey Gap, among major forest blocks, seven historical refugial areas. The timing was assessed passerines, Rodentia, Chiroptera. Results found substantial signatures all levels our comparisons. recovered disparity amount depth structure between low dispersers (understorey birds rodents) capable (other bird bats). Additionally, chronogram recent speciation intraspecific songbird lineages. Main conclusions discrete, often deep, structuring both mammals revealed strong correlations historic landscape fragmentation dispersal ability. Our striking unrecognized diversity, which may be suggestive cryptic species. Given rate are being negatively impacted by human intervention, general lack knowledge concerning vertebrate very well impact ability identify evolutionary processes underlying enact meaningful conservation efforts future.