A re-evaluation of phylogenetic relationships within reed warblers (Aves: Acrocephalidae) based on eight molecular loci and ISSR profiles.

Acrocephalidae is the most monomorphic family among passerines and has seen a long history of different classifications and successive revisions. In this study, we evaluated the phylogenetic relationships among 35 species of Acrocephalidae based on DNA sequences from five nuclear loci (MB, ODC, LDH, FIB5 and RAG-1), three mitochondrial genes (CYB, ND2 and COI) and genomic fingerprinting with ISSR-PCR. We could improve the resolution of phylogenetic relationships among many species, but despite the use of 6280 nucleotides, some deep-level relationships remain enigmatic. Lack of nodal support at some branches may be the result of rapid radiation. The last common ancestor of this family dated for the Middle Miocene (14 MYA). In agreement with previous studies, we recovered the major clades of Acrocephalus, Iduna (except I. aedon), Hippolais, Nesillas and Calamonastides. We accept the current taxonomic position of Calamonastides gracilirostris as a monotypic genus and the inclusion of Iduna natalensis and I. similis within Iduna but phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes as well as ISSR profiles did not support the position of I. aedon in Iduna. Therefore, we resurrect the former genus Phragamaticola for this species in order to avoid paraphyletic clades.