Taxonomic inflation as a conservation trap for inbred populations

摘要: Conservation is prioritized based on accepted taxa. As a consequence, a conservation incentive exists to emphasize inter‐population differences to define taxa, potentially leading to taxonomic inflation. But stressing the uniqueness of threatened populations has the side effect of hindering conservation actions that promote inter‐population gene flow, such as genetic rescue. These actions may be of critical importance for severely inbred populations involved in extinction vortices, for which an inflated taxonomy can become a conservation trap. Here, we exemplify this scenario with the western capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus, Phasianidae) population in the Cantabrian Mountains, described and legally listed as a subspecies not supported by recent molecular data. The Cantabrian capercaillie population is Critically Endangered after a long‐lasting decline and a recent demographic collapse. It shows clear signs of …