GEOGRAPHIC-VARIATION IN RED LARK CERTHILAUDA-BURRA PLUMAGE, MORPHOLOGY, SONG AND MITOCHONDRIAL-DNA HAPLOTYPES

The Red Lark Certhilauda burm is a narrow-range endemic potentially th reatened by habitat degradation. Three taxa have been described, but c urrently no subspecies are recognised. We examined geographic variatio n to ensure that significant variation is not overlooked in a conserva tion plan for the species. There are regional differences in plumage p attern, but with the possible exception of the eastern dune population aridula, these forms overlap and apparently interbreed. Three mitocho ndrial DNA haplotypes were detected among nine individuals sampled acr oss the species' range, but again with the possible exception of aridu la there was no geographic segregation of these forms. Male display so ngs vary geographically, but overall song structure is consistent thro ughout the range. Despite being largely resident within its fragmented range, there is some evidence of occasional movement which presumably is sufficient to maintain genetic interchange. We conclude that the R ed Lark is a single species, but there are differences between habitat s and an ideal conservation plan would include three areas: the north- western dune systems, the south-central alluvial plains, and the easte rn dunes. Priority should be given to the eastern dunes, which support the smallest and perhaps most threatened population.