Should we record a hybrid population as a population in both species?

[Alicia Mastretta]

Hi,

We have 2 species of cocodriles which we are evaluating independently. Both have been the focus of plenty of research and their populations and abundances are relatively well defined and monitored, because they are in CITES.

There is however a population of hybrid origin, which has been well documented with molecular markers. The question is: how should we record this population?

Our  inclination is that we should count the hybrid population as a population in the assessment of both species, and explain in the comments that there is hybridization going on. What are your thoughts? 

Cheers,

Alicia

[shoban]

USA group plans to discuss this in two weeks.  Some USA policy has considered hybrid populations as 'lost'. It depends on your national policy I guess.  I'm ok either way