Phylogeny and phylogeography of chelonians from sub-Saharan Africa—A review of current knowledge in tribute to Margaretha D. Hofmeyr

Species-level phylogeny and especially phylogeography of African chelonians is a comparatively under-studied field research. We review the current knowledge phylogeography, highlight congruence spatial phylogeographic patterns amongst other taxa suggest future research directions to address gaps in knowledge. Our shows that phylogenetic investigations have led unexpected findings. For example, for Pelomedusa , putatively wide-ranging monotypic terrapin genus, cryptic diversity was revealed, with more than ten species being uncovered. The formerly recognized tortoise genus Homopus sensu lato found be paraphyletic respect Chersina . To resolve this situation, restricted four-toed H. areolatus femoralis Chersobius resurrected five-toed C. boulengeri signatus solus Three previously were shown invalid, viz. extinct Pelusios seychellensis subspecies cafer Stigmochelys pardalis babcocki Together taxonomy, structuring sets solid foundation conservation measures allows identification Management Conservation Units. However, legislation, particular enforcement Nagoya Protocol under Convention Biological Diversity (CBD), has largely halted on widely distributed turned well-intended concept Access Benefit Sharing into major impediment situation leads many continued usage outdated incorrect taxonomic classifications resulting an error cascade decisions. This counterproductive aims CBD, is, protection biodiversity. Sequencing historical DNA from museum specimens using aDNA approaches could short-term approach mitigate, but not solve, impediment.