The Cape Parrot is classified as a subspecies of Poicephalus robustus. Over the years, scientists have argued about whether it should be classified as a distinct species or not, and previous attempts to do so using morphological, ecological and behavioral evidence have failed, Science Daily reports.
A recent genetic study employing DNA analysis provides new data supporting previous studies that the Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus robustus, is indeed a distinct species and should be elevated to full species status. The study was made to address the need for a genetic study proving that Cape Parrot does not interbreed with other P. robustus subspecies.
To gather the needed data, researchers genotyped 138 specimens from five Poicephalus species. Two mitochondrial and one nuclear intron markers were also sequenced. Analysis of the data shows that Cape Parrot is genetically distinct from other P. robustus subspecies and that it belongs to a separate clade. Furthermore, results from molecular clock analysis shows that the most common ancestor of P. r. robustus, P. r. fuscicollis and P. r. suahelicus were from 2.13 to 2.67 million years ago.
The researchers concluded that the Cape Parrot should be elevated to the species level. Doing so not only clarifies its taxonomy, but also helps in establishing conservation efforts for the bird.
If the Cape Parrot is given full species status, it will be placed under the "vulnerable" category of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which means it faces a high risk of extinction in the near future. At present, Cape Parrot, classified as a subspecies of P. robustus, is listed under the category of "least concern," meaning there is no threat to its existence.
Bird Life International, which rejected previous recommendations to elevate the Cape Parrot to the species level, said it will look into the new genetic study.
"We are constantly advising our taxonomy and where new evidence comes to light, we'll obviously definitely consider that," Bird Life International global species officer Andrew Symes told CBC, adding that the process could take a while and there is no certainty the new data will be sufficient to give Cape Parrot a full species status.
The study was published Aug. 12 in the open journal PLOS One.
