Scientists have identified a previously unrecognized bird species in Japan after genetic research revealed that what was thought to be a single species is actually two.
The discovery involves the Ijima's Leaf Warbler, a rare migratory bird found only on two island groups in Japan. While new bird species are described every year, this case stands out because the birds look nearly identical. Instead, DNA evidence provided the strongest proof that they belong to separate species.
"This shows how important it is to use genetic methods to reveal hidden biodiversity at a time of global biodiversity crisis. These methods can help provide more complete knowledge on which to base future nature conservation efforts," says Per Alström at Uppsala University, one of the researchers who have discovered the new species Tokara Leaf Warbler.
DNA Reveals a Hidden Species
The Ijima's Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus ijimae) lives on the Izu Islands south of Tokyo and on the Tokara Islands, located about 1,000 km farther to the south-west.
