Tree kangaroo molecular systematics based on partial cytochrome b sequences: are Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) and Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi buergersi) sister taxa?
Thomas J. McGreevy
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Natural Resources Science, Coastal Institute, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA.
B Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, Department of Conservation, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA 98103, USA.
C Corresponding author. Email: tjmcg@mail.uri.edu
Australian Mammalogy 34(1) 18-28 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM10017
Submitted: 12 May 2010 Accepted: 15 February 2011 Published: 7 October 2011
Abstract
New Guinea tree kangaroos (Dendrolagus spp.) are unique arboreal macropodid marsupials mainly listed as critically endangered or endangered. The molecular systematics of Dendrolagus has not been fully resolved and is critical for the accurate identification of species and their evolutionary relationships. Matschie’s tree kangaroo (D. matschiei) and Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi buergersi) share numerous morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits. We analysed the partial mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene for D. matschiei (n = 67), D. g. buergersi (n = 8), D. goodfellowi unidentified ssp. (n = 8), golden-mantled tree kangaroo (D. g. pulcherrimus; n = 1), and two additional New Guinea Dendrolagus taxa to determine whether D. matschiei and D. g. buergersi are sister taxa. D. matschiei and D. g. buergersi were not placed as sister taxa in our phylogenetic analyses; however, we were unable to analyse a known sample from a D. g. goodfellowi. We found initial genetic evidence that D. matschiei and the Lowland tree kangaroo (D. spadix) are sister taxa – they may have diverged after the formation of the Huon Peninsula of Papua New Guinea. Our results also support the elevation of D. g. pulcherrimus to a full species. An improved understanding of Dendrolagus molecular systematics will contribute substantially to their conservation.
Additional keywords: Huon Peninsula, mitochondrial DNA barcode, Papua New Guinea, phylogenetic species concept, population aggregation analysis.
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