We knew about the elephant split ages ago. It's just in held up in a lumper vs. splitter argument until the genetics could be worked out because the physical differences were assumed to be environmentally enforced, not genetically. Further they can and do interbreed (albeit rarely) and thus would not qualify for a separate species label under the older taxonomic system. It's was a subspecies issue. Same is true of some of the zebras.
*nod* Definitely a taxonomic discussion, not a matter of finding a new population. Still pretty cool, though.
no subject
*nod* Definitely a taxonomic discussion, not a matter of finding a new population. Still pretty cool, though.