Intraspecific phenotypic variability in the black-eared miner (Manorina melanotis); human-facilitated introgression and the consequences for an endangered taxon

Prior to this study the circumscription of the endangered black-eared miner (Manorina melanotis) and the common yellow-throated miner (Manorina flavig ula) has been clouded by the existence of hybrid individuals. We examined t he intra- and interspecific phenotypic variation of the two taxa. All avail able museum specimens (n = 138) and a sample of live individuals (n = 83) w ere examined. Cluster analysis revealed a continuum of phenotypic traits no w exists between the two taxa. However, further analysis revealed the black -cared miner and yellow-throated miner were sepal able on phenotypic charac ters prior to extensive modification of malice habitat after 1950, suggesti ng the black-eared miner should be afforded full species status [contrary t o Schodde and Mason, 1999. (Schodde, R., Mason, I.J., 1999. The Directory o f Australian Birds: Passerines. CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology, Canberra]. Our study highlights the need to carefully examine, not only intraspecific phen optyic variation within a taxon, but to also consider how such variation ma y be affected by hybridisation facilitated by human disturbance of habitat. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.