Title
Genetic and biometric variation across the fragmented range of Jerdon’s Babbler, Chrysomma altirostre, a threatened Oriental grassland specialist
Author(s)
Sadanandan, Keren R.;Olsson, Urban;Tizard, Robert;Khan, Aleem A.;Thet Zaw, Naing;Naing, Lin;Nila, Pwint;Rheindt, Frank E.
Published
2018
Publisher
Journal of Ornithology
Abstract
Jerdon’s Babbler Chrysomma altirostre is a threatened Oriental grassland specialist passerine heavily affected by habitat loss. Its now-relictual range spans from Pakistan to Myanmar covering three poorly-studied subspecies. Our study of subspecific differentiation revealed limited range-wide mitochondrial divergences, suggesting that mountain ranges and other geographic barriers may not have been insurmountable obstacles to inter-subspecific Pleistocene connectivity of this highly specialized grassland bird. For the westernmost subspecies scindicum, we report on phenotypic differentiation consistent with Gloger’s Rule, and ecomorphological adaptations to arid environments requiring increased mobility.
Keywords
Grassland specialist;Ecomorphological adaptations;Gloger’s rule;Jerdon’s Babbler
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.
![]()
Back
PUB24195