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Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of the endemic Socorro Warbler (Setophaga pitiayumi graysoni)

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Abstract

The Socorro Warbler (Setophaga pitiayumi graysoni) is currently classified as a subspecies of the Tropical Parula. This bird is endemic to Socorro Island, and due to the island’s distance from mainland Mexico and likely low levels of gene flow for this non-migratory species, we expected this form to exhibit significant divergence from its mainland counterparts. Here, we analyzed the phylogenetic position of the Socorro Warbler and examined its taxonomic status. Using blood samples from four individual Socorro Warblers, we performed phylogenetic analyses using the nuclear genes rhodopsin intron 1 (RDPSN) and transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFB2), and the mitochondrial genes ATPase and cytochrome b. Bayesian inference, maximum-likelihood, and maximum parsimony analyses were employed to determine the genetic relationship of the Socorro Warbler to its mainland counterparts. Results reveal significant genetic divergence and a basal position of the Socorro Warbler relative to its mainland counterparts. Based on its distinct phylogenetic placement and geographical isolation, we recommend returning the Socorro Warbler to its original specific status, Setophaga graysoni, based on its taxonomic history. This case illustrates the importance of preserving island habitats to save unique island biodiversity that otherwise could pass unnoticed.

Zusammenfassung

Phylogenetische Beziehung und taxonomischer Status des endemischen Elfenwaldsängers von Socorro (Setophaga pitiayumi graysoni)

Der Elfenwaldsänger von Socorro wird zur Zeit als Unterart des auf dem Festland vorkommenden Elfenwaldsängers klassifiziert. Dieser Vogel ist endemisch auf Socorro, und aufgrund der Entfernung der Insel vom mexikanischen Festland und vermutlich geringem genetischen Austausch dieser nicht-ziehenden Art, erwarteten wir, dass diese Form eine signifikante Abweichung zeigen würde von ihrem Gegenpart auf dem Festland. Hier analysierten wir die phylogenetische Position des endemischen Elfenwaldsängers und untersuchten seinen taxonomischen Status. Mit Blutproben von vier verschiedenen endemischen Elfenwaldsängern führten wir phylogenetische Analysen durch am Rhodopsin Intron 1 (RDPSN), dem transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFB2) und den mitochondrialen Genen ATPase und Cytochrom b. Bayes’sche, Maximum Likelihood und Maximum Parsimony Analysen wurden durchgeführt, um die genetische Beziehung zwischen dem endemischen Elfenwaldsänger und seinem Gegenpart vom Festland festzustellen. Die Ergebnisse legen eine signifikante genetische Abweichung und eine basale Stellung des endemischen Elfenwaldsängers im Verhältnis zu seinem Gegenpart vom Festland offen. Aufgrund seiner deutlichen phylogenetischen Stellung, seiner geographischen Isolation und taxonomischen Geschichte, empfehlen wir, den ursprünglichen Art-Status des endemischen Elfenwaldsängers als Setophaga graysoni wiederherzustellen. Dieser Fall illustriert, wie wichtig der Erhalt von Inselhabitaten ist, um eine einzigartige Insel-Biodiversität zu schützen, die anderenfalls unbemerkt bleiben könnte.

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Acknowledgments

The Mexican Navy provided generous logistical support that allowed sampling of individuals used this study; we particularly thank Admiral F. Jiménez Colorado, Captain D. Castro Castro and all naval personnel stationed at Socorro Island. We are sincerely grateful to M.J. Navarro Sánchez, reserve acting director of the Biosphere Reserve, and Lieutenants A. Lechuga Medina and M.A. Zepeda Esquivel at the Naval Oceanographic Institute, for their invaluable field assistance. We sincerely thank J. Toro Benito, at the Administration of the Federal Insular Territory, for promoting scientific research on Mexican islands. Financial support was provided by the Island Endemics Foundation and the Instituto de Ecología (INECOL). Helen Horblit offered valuable insights on previous versions of this manuscript. This research was conducted under permits DICOPPU/211/2158/10 (SEGOB) and SGPA/DGVS/06778/10 (SEMARNAT) granted to J.E.M.G. following ethical standards for the use of animals in scientific research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, 94132, USA

    Edward L. Evans III & Ravinder N. M. Sehgal

  2. Red de Interacciones Multitróficas, Instituto de Ecología, A. C, Apartado Postal 63, 91000, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico

    Juan E. Martínez-Gómez

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  1. Edward L. Evans III
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  2. Juan E. Martínez-Gómez
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Correspondence to Juan E. Martínez-Gómez.

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Communicated by M. Wink.

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Evans III, E.L., Martínez-Gómez, J.E. & Sehgal, R.N.M. Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of the endemic Socorro Warbler (Setophaga pitiayumi graysoni). J Ornithol 156, 363–370 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-014-1128-7

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