Molecular evolution of the Asian francolins (Francolinus, Galliformes): A modern reappraisal of a classic study in speciation

► Monophyly of each of the Asian francolins and of the spotted group. ► Far East origin (about 17.3 Ma) and alleged monophyly of the Asian francolins. ► Indian sub-continent origin and westwards adaptive radiation of the black francolin. ► Relict black francolin population of Indian origin in the Pakistani range of the Great Rann of Kachchh.