Genetic and morphological reassessment of the genus Isoodon (Marsupialia: Peramelemorphia) and description of new species and subspecies

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Since European colonisation of Australia, bandicoots in the genus Isoodon have been heavily affected by the introduction of feral predators and changes to the landscape, resulting in the contraction of their distribution and loss of genetic diversity. Their taxonomy has also been a challenge: 11 species were originally recorded, amendments in the 1990s led to recognition of only three species, and recent studies utilising molecular and morphological analyses led to documentation of two additional species. To further resolve the taxonomy of this genus, we have opted for a total evidence approach, using both morphological and molecular techniques, including sampling specimens from their historical and extant distributions. Types were also examined and sampled for DNA analyses. Molecular data were generated from 1000s of nuclear gene loci using exon capture as part of the Oz Mammal Genomics initiative. Our results support three additional species being raised and several previously unnamed new subspecies. This new taxonomic framework has important implications for the conservation management of Isoodon species, with current translocation plans to mix populations.