Impacts of taxonomic inertia for the conservation ofAfrican ungulate diversity: an overview

Abstract

We review the state of African ungulate taxonomy over the last 120 years, with an emphasis on the introduction of the polytypic species concept and the discipline's general neglect since the middle of the 20th century. We single out negative consequences of 'orthodox' taxonomy, highlighting numerous cases of neglect of threatened lineages, unsound translocations that led to lineage introgression, and cases of maladaptation to local conditions including parasitic infections. Additionally, several captive breeding programmes have been hampered by chromosome rearrangements caused by involuntary lineage mixing. We advocate that specimen-based taxonomy should regain its keystone role in mammal research and conservation biology, with its scientific values augmented with genomic evidence. While integration with molecular biology, ecology and behaviour is needed for a full understanding of ungulate alpha diversity, we stress that morphological diversity has been neglected despite its tremendous practical importance for some groups of 'utilizers' such as trophy hunters, wildlife tourists and conservationists. We conclude that there is no evidence that purported 'taxonomic inflation' has adverse effects on ungulate conservation: rather, it is taxonomic inertia that has such adverse effects. We stress that sound science, founded on robust taxonomy, should underpin effective sustainable management (hunting, ranching, captive breeding and reintroduction programmes) of this unique African natural resource.

Deep divergence among mitochondrial lineages in African jackals

“…A possible revision of the jackal taxonomy may also have implications on their conservation status that might need reassessment (Agapow et al., ; Gippoliti, Cotterill, Zinner, & Groves, ; Groves et al., ). To date, both species have been listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Hoffmann, , ), and in some countries, they are even regarded as vermin (e.g., South Africa, Bergman et al., ).…”

Mammals and meaningful taxonomic units: the debate about species concepts and conservation

“…() and Gippoliti et al. (; abbreviated as G&G hereafter) are elaborate reviews, by renowned experts in the field, on the biodiversity of African ungulates and their neglected protection due to, in their view, taxonomic inertia grounded in a longstanding application of the Biological Species Concept, which considers populations as conspecific if they actually or potentially produce fertile hybrids. I will not discuss their views in detail, which would be beyond the scope of this article.…”

“…It is also untrue that delimiting species in a more inclusive way (‘taxonomic inertia’) means that morphology‐based taxonomy is dismissed and superseded by phylogeographical molecular studies (Gippoliti et al. , p. 123). The only real difference is that G&G's arbitrary threshold delimits population lineages in a less inclusive way.…”

“…, Gippoliti et al. ). Mammals are special in that they get more attention from the general public than other groups, and nowhere is coverage by the media more guaranteed (with the exception of new fossil human taxa) than when new iconic mammal species are described, such as elephants, rhinos or, most recently, great apes (Nater et al.…”

Colin P. Groves (1942-2017) and his legacy

“…This also made me aware of how some apparently well-established mammal species may hide overlooked taxonomic entities often in need of urgent protection. Over the past six years, with like-minded colleagues, Colin and I collaborated with the aim of increasing acceptance of the "Phylogenetic Species Concept" among mammalogists (especially in Europe and Australia); moreover, we strived to demonstrate that the 'taxonomic inflation' theory (which suggests negative conservation outcomes when former subspecies are elevated to species rank) was in fact deleterious for biodiversity conservation , Gippoliti et al, 2018. Although Colin's health declined seriously during the last few years, he maintained his exceptional productivity while continuing to help his friends, colleagues and new contacts.…”