![]() First, we did not find any genetic separation between the two subspecies from northern Australia, banksii and macrorhynchus. This led us to make two changes to the formal classification (taxonomy) within the species. Intriguingly, the five conservation units that we identified were not the same as the subspecies that had been previously defined. The genetic data from our study allow us to outline a strategy to rescue graptogyne from its continued loss of genetic diversity. We also identified that the graptogyne subspecies of western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia has the lowest level of genetic diversity, and is likely to suffer from inbreeding. Protecting and maintaining these distinct units of genetic variation will maximize the chances of the species persisting in the wild. Our data set allowed us to identify five ‘conservation units’ within the species, which will help guide effective conservation strategies. We estimated that the ancestor of the species appeared within the past ~1.28 million years. We were able to extract a large amount of genetic data from these specimens, some of which were >100 years old, allowing us to investigate the relationships between the current subspecies. Fortunately, specimens have been collected over many decades and are stored in museums throughout Australia. Collecting the samples for such a study would normally have taken an immense amount of time and resources. We conducted a genetic assessment of the red-tailed black-cockatoo across its entire range. Genetic information is sorely needed to inform the management strategies for this species. The two southern subspecies are threatened, with only approximately 1,000 graptogyne 15,000 naso individuals remaining in the wild. The red-tailed black-cockatoo is also targeted in the illegal pet trade. Like other cockatoo species, red-tailed black-cockatoos cannot excavate their own tree hollows, yet they rely on them for nesting. ![]() Unfortunately, the red-tailed black-cockatoo is suffering from habitat destruction.
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