title: The role of DNA barcodes in understanding and conservation of mammal diversity in southeast Asia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Southeast Asia is recognized as a region of very high biodiversity, much of which is currently at risk due to habitat loss and other threats. However, many aspects of this diversity, even for relatively well-known groups such as mammals, are poorly known, limiting ability to develop conservation plans. This study examines the value of DNA barcodes, sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene, to enhance understanding of mammalian diversity in the region and hence to aid conservation planning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DNA barcodes were obtained from nearly 1900 specimens representing 165 recognized species of bats. All morphologically or acoustically distinct species, based on classical taxonomy, could be discriminated with DNA barcodes except four closely allied species pairs. Many currently recognized species contained multiple barcode lineages, often with deep divergence suggesting unrecognized species. In addition, most widespread species showed substantial genetic differentiation across their distributions. Our results suggest that mammal species richness within the region may be underestimated by at least 50%, and there are higher levels of endemism and greater intra-specific population structure than previously recognized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DNA barcodes can aid conservation and research by assisting field workers in identifying species, by helping taxonomists determine species groups needing more detailed analysis, and by facilitating the recognition of the appropriate units and scales for conservation planning.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. charles.francis@ec.gc.ca
authors.forename: Charles M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.forename: Alex V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Borisenko
authors.forename: Natalia V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Ivanova
authors.forename: Judith L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Eger
authors.forename: Burton K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guillén-Servent
authors.forename: Sergei V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Kruskop
authors.forename: Iain
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mackie
authors.forename: Paul D N
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Hebert
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001210:Asia, Southeastern; D044822:Biodiversity; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D058893:DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; D008322:Mammals / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny
chemical_list: D004247:DNA