subspecies

[Les Kaufman]

One issue is being overlooked in this subspecies argument.  The US
Endangered Species act requires recognition of evolutionarily stable units
(ESU's) so that endangered, genetically distinct populations of particular
taxa can be protected: to wit, salmonid runs.  Does it help to grant these
esu's status as subspecies?

The Plymouth Red-bellied turtle (Chrysemys rubriventris bangsi) was
protected by these criteria.  Is it a subspecies?  It was thought so, but
as things turned out it probably is not genetically that distinct from the
next closest populations in New Jersey.  Does it matter?

Les Kaufman
Boston University Marine Program
lesk at bio.bu.edu
617-353-5560 office
617-353-6965 lab
617-353-6340 fax