A reappraisal of the systematic affinities of Socotran, Arabian and East African scops owls (Otus, Strigidae) using a combination of molecular, biometric and acoustic data

摘要: We investigated phylogenetic relationships among Otus scops owls from Socotra Island, the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa using molecular, vocalization biometric data. The Scops Owl senegalensis socotranus, currently treated as a subspecies of African senegalensis, is more closely related to Oriental sunia endemic Seychelles insularis. Considerable mitochondrial genetic distance significant morphological differentiation its two closest relatives, well distinctive vocalizations compared with O. insularis, strongly support recognition full species. Unexpectedly, taxa Peninsula, Pallid brucei pamelae, represent very distinct lineages; basal clade that includes found in Indo-Malayan region on Indian Ocean islands. In contrast, s. pamelae occupies well-supported position within continental Afro-Palaearctic taxa. uncorrected-p between relatives (other populations mainland Africa) c. 4%. As also differentiated phylogenetically, morphologically vocally we recommend elevation species status, pamelae. Among subspecies, Ethiopian appear most divergent lineage, whereas other lineages Somalia, Kenya South are poorly differentiated. large haplotype haplotypes (3.2%) suggests may cryptic taxon, individuals be sampled assess taxonomic status this population.