Editing Phylogeography (section)

==In conservation==
Phylogeography can help in the prioritization of areas of high value for conservation. Phylogeographic analyses have also played an important role in defining [[evolutionary significant unit]]s (ESU), a unit of conservation below the species level that is often defined on unique geographic distribution and mitochondrial genetic patterns.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Moritz, C. |year=1994 |title=Defining "evolutionary significant units" for conservation |journal=Trends in Ecology and Evolution |volume=9 |pages=373–375 | doi=10.1016/0169-5347(94)90057-4 |issue=10 |pmid=21236896|bibcode=1994TEcoE...9..373M }}</ref>

A recent study on imperiled cave [[crayfish]] in the [[Appalachian Mountains]] of eastern North America<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Buhay, J. E.  |author2=K. A. Crandall  |name-list-style=amp |year=2005 |title=Subterranean phylogeography of freshwater crayfishes shows extensive gene flow and surprisingly large population sizes |journal=Molecular Ecology |volume=14 | pages=4259–4273 |pmid=16313591 |issue=14 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-294X.2005.02755.x|bibcode=2005MolEc..14.4259B |s2cid=24556824 }}</ref> demonstrates how phylogenetic analyses along with geographic distribution can aid in recognizing conservation priorities. Using phylogeographical approaches, the authors found that hidden within what was thought to be a single, widely distributed species, an ancient and previously undetected species was also present. Conservation decisions can now be made to ensure that both lineages received protection. Results like this are not an uncommon outcome from phylogeographic studies.

An analysis of [[salamanders]] of the genus ''[[Eurycea]]'', also in the Appalachians, found that the current taxonomy of the group greatly underestimated species level diversity.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Kozak, K. H. |author2=A. B. Russell  |author3=A. Larson |year=2006 |title=Gene lineages and eastern North American paleodrainage basins: phylogeography and speciation in salamanders of the ''Eurycea bislineata'' species complex |journal=Molecular Ecology |volume=15 |pages=191–207 | doi=10.1111/j.1365-294X.2005.02757.x |pmid=16367840 |issue=1|bibcode=2006MolEc..15..191K |s2cid=22679793 }}</ref> The authors of this study also found that patterns of phylogeographic diversity were more associated with historical (rather than modern) drainage connections, indicating that major shifts in the drainage patterns of the region played an important role in the generation of diversity of these salamanders. A thorough understanding of phylogeographic structure will thus allow informed choices in prioritizing areas for conservation.