Re‐assessing the phylogenetic status and evolutionary relationship of Forest Owlet ( <i>Athene blewitti</i> (Hume 1873)) using genomic data

Phylogenetic relationships are often challenging to resolve in recent/younger lineages when only a few loci used. Ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) highly conserved regions across taxa that help shallow and deep divergences. We utilized UCEs harvested from whole genomes assess the phylogenetic position taxonomic affiliation of an endangered endemic owlet family Strigidae, Forest Owlet Athene blewitti. The placement this species has been revised multiple times. A multigene study attempted address question but showed discrepancy datasets its within genus Athene. assembled dataset 5018 nuclear UCE with increased taxon sampling. was found be early split clade sister other Athene, consistently three approaches – maximum likelihood, Bayesian multispecies coalescence. Divergence dating using fossil calibrations suggests lineage ancestor about 7.6 mya, diverged 5.2 mya. This estimate is consistent previous confirms role climate-aridification Indian peninsula diversification. Despite osteological differences we suggest as member emphasize evolutionary relationship.