Is the taxonomy appropriate? Delineating species for conservation purposes
The first step in conservation management is to delineate groups for separate versus combined management. However, there are many problems with species delineation, including diverse species definitions, lack of standardized protocols, and poor repeatability of delineations. Definitions that are too broad will lead to outbreeding depression if populations are crossed, while those that split excessively may preclude genetic rescue of small inbred populations with low genetic diversity. To minimize these problems, we recommend the use of species concepts based upon reproductive isolation (such as the biological species concept) and advise against the use of phylogenetic and general lineage species concepts. We provide guidelines as to when taxonomy requires revision and outline protocols for robust species delineations.