Evolution of Lichenostomus melanops is explored with genetic and morphologic data.
Genetic data suggests subdivision of melanops + meltoni vs gippslandicus + cassidix.
IMa2 suggests gippslandicus and cassidix diverged in Mid-Pleistocene-Holocene.
Cassidix harbors unique morphology and genetic diversity worthy of conservation.
Introducing gene flow from gippslandicus may improve cassidix’s adaptive potential.