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Vol. 54, 2015
Taxonomic implications of geographical variation in Rhinolophus affinis (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) in mainland Southeast Asia
Saveng Ith1,2,3*, Sara Bumrungsri2, Neil M Furey3,4, Paul JJ Bates5, Monwadee Wonglapsuwan6, Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan7, Vu Dinh Thong8, Pipat Soisook9, Chutamas Satasook2 and Nikky M Thomas5
1Department
of Biology, Faculty of Science, Royal University of Phnom Penh,
Confederation of Russia Boulevard, Phnom Penh 12150, Cambodia
2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Prince of
Songkla University, 15 Karnjanavanich Street, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110,
Thailand
3Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, Faculty of
Science, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Room 415, Confederation of
Russia Boulevard, Phnom Penh 12150, Cambodia
4Fauna & Flora International, Cambodia Programme,
PO Box 1380#19, Street 360, Boeng Keng Kong 1, Chamkarmon, Phnom Penh
12300,
Cambodia
5Harrison Institute, Bowerwood House, St. Botolph’s Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3AQ, UK
6Department of Molecular Biotechnology and
Bioinformatics, Prince of Songkla University, 15 Karnjanavanich Street,
Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
7Department of Zoology, Faculty of Resource Science
and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak
94300, Malaysia
8Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources,
Vietnam, Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet Road,
Cau Giay District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
9Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Natural History
Museum, Prince of Songkla University, 15 Karnjanavanich Street, Hat
Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Abstract
Background: Rhinolophus affinis
sensu lato is distributed throughout Southeast Asia. The taxonomic
status of forms attributed to the species is unclear due to the limited
sample size with incomplete datasets and the taxa have high variation
in morphology and echolocation call frequency. The aim of the study was
to evaluate the distribution and taxonomic status of the subspecific
forms of R. affinis in
mainland Southeast Asia using large sample size with multiple datasets,
including morphological, acoustic, and genetic data, both to elucidate
taxonomic relationships and to test for congruence between these
datasets.
Results: Three morphological forms were confirmed within the region; two concur with previously recognized taxa, namely R. affinis
macrurus and R. affinis superans, and are strongly supported by
morphological and genetic data. The third form is morphologically
distinct, but its taxonomic status remains unclear. It is probable that
this third form represents a distinct taxonomic entity; however, more
data are required to confirm this. R. a. macrurus is known from the north of peninsular Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam (Indochinese subregion); R. a. superans
is found throughout the Thai-Malay Peninsula (Sundaic subregion);
whilst the third form is presently known from east central Myanmar
(Shan state) and lower northern Vietnam (Nghe An Province).
Conclusions: Our
results suggest that at least three morphological forms occur in
mainland Southeast Asia including one form which appears to be new to
science. Echolocation call data for R. affinis
are not a robust taxonomic tool as it shows a significant degree of
variation which is not explained or supported by genetic and
morphological findings. This study highlights significant levels of
morphological variation in mainland Southeast Asia and provides an
essential basis for further studies aiming to understand the population
genetics,
phylogeography, and taxonomy of the species.
Key words:
Rhinolophus affinis; Subspecies; Morphology; Echolocation; Genetics; Indochinese subregion; Sundaic subregion.
*Correspondence: E-mail: pheaveng@gmail.com
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