title: Cryptic diversity in vertebrates: molecular data double estimates of species diversity in a radiation of Australian lizards (Diplodactylus, Gekkota).
abstract: A major problem for biodiversity conservation and management is that a significant portion of species diversity remains undocumented (the 'taxonomic impediment'). This problem is widely acknowledged to be dire among invertebrates and in developing countries; here, we demonstrate that it can be acute even in conspicuous animals (reptiles) and in developed nations (Australia). A survey of mtDNA, allozyme and chromosomal variation in the Australian gecko, genus Diplodactylus, increases overall species diversity estimates from 13 to 29. Four nominal species each actually represent multi-species complexes; three of these species complexes are not even monophyletic. The high proportion of cryptic species discovered emphasizes the importance of continuing detailed assessments of species diversity, even in apparently well-known taxa from industrialized countries.
authors.affiliation: Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. paul.oliver@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Michael S Y
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Mark N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Doughty