Cape Parrot: Genetic Analysis Reveals Bird Should Rise Level Of New Species

New findings published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE supports previous research that the Cape Parrot should be elevated to the species level, according to a new genetic analysis.

As it stands, the Cape Parrot is currently considered a Poicephalus robustus sub-species, along with P. r. fusciollis and P.r. suahelicus, which are based on morphological, behavioral and ecological assessments.

In this recent study, researchers examined recommendations via DNA analyses. Then, they genotyped over 130 specimens from five Poicephalus species and sequenced two mitochondrial and one nuclear intron marker.

Based on their findings, the Cape Parrot was identified as genetically distinct from other P. robustus subspecies. Authors suggest that their analysis places the most recent common ancestor somewhere between the Cape parrot and P. r. fuscicollis and P. r. suahelicus at about 2 million years ago.

Furthermore, researchers say that the results support previous recommendations that push the Cape Parrot up to the species level. This could help implement better planning of both international and local conservation management strategies.

More information regarding the findings can be found in this release.

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