Integrative systematics and conservation of endangered Carabus nankotaizanus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Taiwan.

The article focuses on delimiting species boundaries within the endangered endemic ground beetle Carabus nankotaizanus in Taiwan, revealing it comprises at least four cryptic species distributed across lowland and mountain habitats. Using an integrative approach combining morphological, molecular, ecological, and life-history data, the study identifies two distinct phenetic and ecological species groups corresponding to lowland and mountain populations, further subdivided into four genetically divergent lineages. Ecological niche models predict that climate warming will cause range shifts, with lowland species facing significant habitat loss and conservation challenges due to urbanization, while mountain species may shift to higher elevations within protected areas, posing less immediate threat. The authors recommend recognizing these four lineages as candidate species and protected evolutionary units to inform targeted conservation strategies.