Taxonomic and phylogenetic distinctiveness in regional conservation assessments: a case study based on extant South African Chiroptera and Carnivora

摘要: The current study investigates whether a simple measure of taxonomic diversity (Taxonomic Distinctiveness (TD)) can be used as proxy for different measures phylogenetic (Phylogenetic (PD)) in determining species regional conservation priority, and uses extant South African Chiroptera Carnivora case study. Published phylogenies the two mammalian Orders allowed quantification node-based that was considered to represent (PD NODE ), well branch length-based amount evolutionary change over time BRANCH ). Both PD , together with TD were included our priority assessment. Although no statistically significant differences detected between both Carnivora, these also shown correlated each other. More importantly, inclusion either or analysis did not significantly alter identified being priority. scores their respective rankings broadly consistent across three potential indicators status utilised. These results suggest and/or prioritisation exercises may add value currently provided by TD. Consequently, this implies absence relevant data, utilisation settings provide appropriate information on diversity.