Genetic diversity, population genetic structure and comments on the historical distribution of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami

We report on a genetic survey of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami from throughout its range except far north Queensland. We used mitochondrial DNA, microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to ask whether Evolutionarily Significant Units or Management Units can be diagnosed within the species. Nuclear DNA diversity estimated from both SNPs and microsatellites supported differentiation between the isolated Kangaroo Island (KI) and mainland populations. SNP data were limited by sampling issues but show the differentiation that can be reasonably expected between KI and Queensland populations. Support for genetic differentiation within the mainland populations was generally weak but our data are preliminary. Mitochondrial DNA identified a single unique haplotype on KI but did not support reciprocal monophyly or clear genetic distinction of mainland and KI populations. Our data best support recognition of at least two Management Units (KI vs all eastern mainland populations). We urge continuation of all conservation efforts for all populations especially that on KI. We discuss and favour dismissal of all post-European settlement distribution records of C. lathami from far south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. These have long been problematic due to confusion with the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo C. banksii. There is much scope for further work to achieve finer resolution on questions such as the genetic connectivity or otherwise of scattered populations across western and central New South Wales and the genetic health of those populations and the isolated KI population.