Unravelling Taxonomic Complexity in Elusive Cetaceans: Mitogenome Insights into Evolutionary History and Cryptic Diversity of Bryde's Whales

. Divergence dating estimates suggest that the southern African, UAE and North Pacific populations shared a most recent common ancestor approximately 4-5 million years ago. These findings emphasise the need to reassess conservation units, population estimates and potentially reclassify new subspecies or species among Bryde's whales. This study demonstrates how mitogenome data can detect cryptic diversity in elusive cetaceans, directing more effective conservation of unique genetic lineages.