Intraspeci®c 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 ¯avigula) has been clouded by the existence of hybrid individuals. We examined the intra-and inter-speci®c phenotypic variation of the two taxa. All available museum specimens (n=138) and a sample of live individuals (n=83) were examined. Cluster analysis revealed a continuum of phenotypic traits now exists between the two taxa. However, further analysis revealed the black-eared miner and yellow-throated miner were separable on phenotypic characters prior to extensive modi®cation of mallee habitat after 1950, suggesting the black-eared miner should be a€orded full species status [contrary to Our study highlights the need to carefully examine, not only intraspeci®c phenoptyic variation within a taxon, but to also consider how such variation may be a€ected by hybridisation facilitated by human disturbance of habitat. # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.