DOI: 10.3897/vz.76.e180962

Authors: Nikoleta Dubjelová, Tereza Hadravová, Martin Ivanov, Ivan Horáček

Abstract: The European Pleistocene populations of the narrow-headed vole (Stenocranius gregalis), an index species of the Palearctic glacial communities, were recently found to differ from the extant Asian species by a deep genetic divergence and are to be considered a separate species, Stenocranius anglicus, which had to persist through the interglacial stages in local European refugia. Here, we analyze over 2000 first lower molars from 14 stratified localities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, spanning the Middle Pleistocene to Holocene, employing geometric morphometrics, biometric measurements, and morphotype classifications to assess molar shape variation. Our results demonstrate persistent morphological variability, with particularly high morphotype diversity during MIS 5–3, followed by simplification and reduced variance in post–LGM populations. Morphological divergence was greater among geographic localities than stratigraphic stages, suggesting strong regional and ecological influences. Stratified sequences reveal diverse evolutionary trajectories from long-term morphological stability in refugia to gradual simplification preceding extinction in the early Holocene. These patterns align with broader Eurasian trends but also highlight regionally specific responses to climatic and ecological change accompanying the species’ extinction dynamics during the early to middle Holocene. The paper underscores the importance of integrating detailed morphometrics with stratigraphic and ecological evidence to shed light on these topics.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e153115

Authors: Anna A. Bannikova, Paulina D. Jenkins, Vladimir S. Lebedev, Svetlana V. Pavlova, Vasily D. Yakushov, Alexandra A. Raspopova, Yongke Zhu, Yun Fang, Yue-Hua Sun, Boris I. Sheftel

Abstract: Abstract The taxonomy of the stripe-backed shrew complex (Sorex cylindricauda species group), distributed in mountains of western China, appears challenging due to remarkable variation in morphological traits and relatively recent times of diversification. According to classical points of view only two or three species of the stripe-backed shrews can be distinguished. However, previous molecular reconstructions revealed at least 14 genetic lineages including a number of undescribed cryptic species. In the current study we revise the taxonomic status of large-sized stripe-backed shrews occurring in high mountain areas in south Gansu, north-western Sichuan and western Qinghai that were previously treated as S. aff. cylindricauda or S. sinalis. The available molecular data place them in a separate species-level lineage of the stripe-backed shrew complex. Our morphological analysis indicate that shrews of this lineage are distinct from the two other large-sized Chinese species, S. cylindricauda and S. sinalis, based on both cranial and external traits. Therefore, we here describe it as a species new to science, the karyotype of which is characterized by 2n = 26 with an additional B chromosome and NFa = 44. Our molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrates multiple instances of mitonuclear discordance among lineages within the S. cylindricauda complex, which is likely a result of mtDNA introgression, thus highlighting the important role of reticulation events in the evolution of the group.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e148147

Authors: Andrey Y. Puzachenko, Viktor G. Yudin, Alexei V. Abramov

Abstract: Abstract Four species of Eurasian badgers (Meles) are widely distributed across Eurasia. Small-sized and dark-coloured Far Eastern M. leucurus amurensis is the most distinctive form among all Asian badgers, M. leucurus. Traditionally, Far Eastern badgers are treated as a subspecies of the M. leucurus. This study aims to revise the geographical variability of the M. leucurus sensu lato from the entire species range (324 adult skulls) and assess the position of the Far Eastern badgers. In addition, 551 adult skulls of the European badger, M. meles, the Southwest Asian badger, M. canescens, and the Japanese badger, M. anakuma, were used for comparison with Asian badgers. Meles leucurus amurensis from the Far East resembles the Japanese M. anakuma in many respects, but is very different from the M. l. leucurus of southern Siberia and Middle Asia. Analysis of palaeontological data suggests that the Far Eastern badgers could have descended from the ancestral “leucurus-like” badger chronospecies known from China since the mid-Early Pleistocene. It then probably dispersed westwards into southern Siberia no later than the MIS9 stage (~ 0.32 Ma), where it evolved into M. leucurus. Previous molecular data suggest that the Japanese badgers are unique, whereas the Far Eastern badgers are closer to Asian badgers from the Urals, Siberia and Tibet. We propose that the Far Eastern badger retains some craniometrics features of the ancestral form of M. leucurus sensu stricto and M. anakuma and should therefore be considered a separate species, M. amurensis Schrenck, 1859 stat. rev. The presumed range of this species is in the Far East, east of the Great Khingan Range to Russian Primorye, Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula and possibly eastern China.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.75.e134683

Authors: Uliana V. Gorobeyko, Denis V. Kazakov, Anastasia A. Kadetova, Irina N. Sheremetyeva, Valentin Yu. Guskov, Irina V. Kartavtseva, Nikolai E. Dokuchaev, Evgeniy S. Zakharov, Sergei V. Kruskop

Abstract: Abstract Myotis petax is a common and widespread Asian bat species, whose intraspecific sequence variability remains poorly understood. In this work we analyzed the variability of the mitochondrial control region and craniometric measurements for an extensive sample set originating from the entire species range. This made it possible to identify the main genetic lineages and to compare their distribution with the morphological groups. From our investigations, we found that the prevalent genetic lineages, namely, “Siberia,” “Amur,” and “Okhotsk,” appear to be connected to large river systems. The cohabitation of various genetic lineages occurs only in territories where different river basins are connected, such as the Primorsky Territory, Khabarovsk Territory, Transbaikalia Territory, and Mongolia. Moreover, we discovered that the five morphological groups (Siberia, Okhotsk, Amur, Kunashir, and Korea) are partially correlated with previously identified genetic lineages and subspecies. However, M. p. petax and M. p. loukashkini were the only two out of the five subspecies that could be well-defined using specific mtDNA sequences and morphological descriptions. Nonetheless, the subspecies M. p. ussuriensis does not have a distinct genetic lineage to allow for their classification. Notably, a specific mix of morphological group and a genetic lineage characterize the “Amurian morphological form,” which may support its validity as a subspecies rank. That notwithstanding, more information is needed to fully unravel the intraspecific structure of M. petax in the southern Far East and potential contact zones of diverse forms.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e127269

Authors: Dorottya Győrössy, Vuong Tan Tu, Gábor Csorba, Sanjan Thapa, Péter Estók, Gábor Földvári, Tamás Görföl

Abstract: Abstract In taxonomic works, the weight to be given to morphological, mitochondrial, or nuclear signals, and the assessment of differences as species or subspecies distinctions has also varied considerably over the past decades and is largely a subjective research decision. This apparent example of the “grey zone of taxonomy” underpins the need of critical studies of as many specimens as possible and of using both mitochondrial and nuclear genes in taxonomic-systematic studies, as phylogeny based on uniparentally inherited genes alone may not represent true evolutionary scenarios. Myotis sicarius, a species occurring thorough the Himalayan foothills was found for the first time out of South Asia, in North Vietnam. Analysis of topotypical and Vietnamese specimens revealed high mitochondrial heterogeneity – at the upper limit of the usual threshold of intraspecific difference – but only minute nuclear sequence and negligible morphological differences. Albeit the large geographic distance between the two records might suggest the existence of two putative reproductively isolated taxonomic units, based on the incongruent results we concluded that the split of geographic populations of M. sicarius into different taxa is unsupported. As a morphologically closely resembling species, we also reviewed the taxonomic status of the two morphological forms of M. annectans and synonymizing M. primula with M. annectans was also corroborated by our phylogenetic analyses.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e128528

Authors: Jorge Brito, Rubí García, Francisco X. Castellanos, Gabriela Gavilanes, Jenny Curay, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo, Daniela Reyes-Barriga, Juan M. Guayasamin, Jorge Salazar-Bravo, C. Miguel Pinto

Abstract: Abstract The Andean cloud forests of Ecuador are home to numerous unique mammals. Rodents of the tribe Thomasomyini are particularly abundant in many Andean localities, with Thomasomys – the largest genus in the subfamily Sigmodontinae (51 species) – especially species-rich and diverse. Despite recent advances on the systematics of the genus, where seven species have been described in the last five years, there is tantalizing evidence that its true diversity remains completely understood. Over the course of approximately ten years of fieldwork in Ecuador, a significant number of Thomasomys specimens were collected from various localities in both, the eastern and western Andean ranges. Through an extensive genetic study of these specimens, augmented with what is available in public databases, we argue that there exist at least 20 undescribed species in the genus, with no less that twelve potential new species in Ecuador alone. In this paper, we describe two of these species belonging to the group cinereus, one recently collected and the other previously referred to as Thomasomys sp. 1; further, we present an updated cyt b gene tree of the genus. The gene tree includes at least 56 valid and putative species and supports the monophyly of the genus, while at the same time suggest a paraphyletic “aureus” group. Our findings suggest that the genus likely exhibits additional hidden diversity in significant portions of Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia which calls for the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the entire genus. The recognition of these two new species brings the total number of known Thomasomys to 53 species, 19 of which occur in Ecuador, including 17 that are endemic to this country.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e133467

Authors: Arlo Hinckley, Jesús E. Maldonado, Noriko Tamura, Jennifer A. Leonard, Melissa T. R. Hawkins

Abstract: Abstract We present a comprehensive integrative taxonomic review of Callosciurus caniceps and Tamiops mcclellandii as they are currently defined. This review combines published molecular evidence, craniodental morphometrics, pelage and bacular variation, evaluations of potential hybrid zones using museum specimens and citizen science photographs, and, for C. caniceps, bioacoustic evidence. Our findings lead to the recognition of two species that had been lost in synonymy and highlight future perspectives on species delimitation in Sciuridae. By comparing phenotypic differentiation across climatic and vegetation transitions and contextualizing our results with the evolutionary history of our study systems, we provide insights into distribution, ecogeographical patterns, and speciation drivers in Southeast Asian vertebrates.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e126944

Authors: Franziska Wagner, Valerie Burke DeLeon, Christopher J. Bonar, Timothy D. Smith

Abstract: Abstract Comparative studies rely on the identification of homologous traits, which is challenging especially when adult stages alone are available. Inferring homology from developmental series represents the most reliable approach to recognize similar phenotypes. The primate nasal cavity exhibits a plastic morphology (shape) and topology (structure) which challenge the terminology of turbinals. Turbinal development largely corresponds to the therian template: turbinals emerge from the cartilaginous nasal capsule, ossify endochondrally, and increase their size through appositional bone growth. We studied histological serial sections and µCT data of eleven primate species in six genera representing four to five age stages (fetal to adult), and the neonate and adult stage of another primate species. We reconstructed cartilaginous precursors and followed their growth patterns until adulthood to inform the identification of structures. The developmental stages were transformed to character states for better comparison across the sample. Strepsirrhines conserved the plesiomorphic condition, with turbinal morphology similar to other placentals. In contrast, haplorhines showed a reduced turbinal number. Most strikingly, some cartilaginous turbinals are absent in the ossified nasal cavity (Saguinus); others seem to emerge as appositional bone without a cartilaginous precursor (Aotus, Pithecia). Our observation that successive developmental sequences differ from the established placental template emphasizes the significance of ontogenetic series for comparative anatomy. Structures which exhibit analogous growth patterns might be falsely considered as being homologous in adults, resulting in biased phenotypic data that strongly affects comparative analyses (e.g., phylogenetic reconstructions).

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e122822

Authors: Micaela A. Chambi Velasquez, Romina Pavé, María A. Argoitia, Pablo Schierloh, María G. Piccirilli, Valeria C. Colombo, Fernando J. Beltrán, Daniel M. Cisterna, Diego A. Caraballo

Abstract: Abstract Understanding species diversity and delineating their boundaries are crucial for effective management and conservation efforts. In the case of bats, species identification holds particular importance from an epidemiological standpoint. The genus Molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) encompasses 15 species distributed across the Neotropics, ranging from the southeastern United States to Argentina. This genus exhibits two contrasting patterns of variation: some species are cryptic, while others are morphologically distinct yet genetically similar. This study explores the diversity of Molossus in Argentina through a molecular phylogenetic approach. We analyzed sequences from three molecular markers (cyt b, COI, and FGB) along with morphology data obtained from a sample of 64 individuals. Uni- and multivariate analyses of external and cranial measurements were conducted, alongside comparisons of external and cranial characteristics among species. Based on molecular and morphological differences, we describe a new species within the Molossus genus. This newly discovered species exhibits a broad distribution spanning the Paraná River basin across three distinct ecoregions. It is noteworthy that this species is pseudo-cryptic with respect to similar-sized species such as M. molossus and M. melini. Additionally, it is important to mention that all species in Argentina have overlapping distribution ranges. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of Molossus bats in Argentina, employing molecular and morphological analyses. The discovery of a new species underscores the ongoing importance of comprehensive research efforts in understanding and conserving bat populations in the Neotropics.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e115242

Authors: Raquel Alvarado-Larios, Pablo Teta, Pablo Cuello, J. Pablo Jayat, Andrea P. Tarquino-Carbonell, Guillermo D’Elía, Paula Cornejo, Agustina A. Ojeda

Abstract: Abstract The genus Ctenomys Blainville, 1826 includes 68 living species of small to medium-sized (100–1200 g) caviomorph rodents of subterranean habits. During the last decade, this genus has been the subject of numerous taxonomic studies, including the description of new species and the proposal of novel synonyms. Based on phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences and qualitative and quantitative morphological traits, here we review the species boundaries of the tuco-tucos of the species group of C. mendocinus and describe a new species. The new species is morphologically distinct from other phylogenetically and geographically close species of Ctenomys (e.g., C. fochi, C. mendocinus), showing several differences in their craniodental traits (e.g., proportionally longer nasals and less globose tympanic bullae). The new species occurs in montane grasslands and shrublands of northwestern Mendoza (ca. 2710 m a.s.l.) and in lowlands (ca. 1000 m a.s.l.) of the Monte Desert ecoregion in an area highly impacted by accelerated processes associated with the wine industry.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e102645

Authors: Juan Fernando Vélez-García, Diego Alejandro Carrión Blanco, Gabriela Moreno Gómez, Stephanie San Martín Cañas

Abstract: Abstract The kinkajou (Potos flavus) is a carnivoran of the suborder Caniformia and the family Procyonidae, inhabiting regions throughout Central and South America. Potos flavus has arboreal preferences and exhibits unique anatomical adaptations that facilitate movement within trees. Its pelvic limbs enable hindfoot reversal, while its thoracic limbs possess remarkable prehensile capabilities. Previous anatomical studies in Potos flavus have presented discrepancies in the description of the intrinsic shoulder and brachial muscles. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive anatomical description of these muscles in five specimens. The findings are compared with descriptions reported for other caniforms. The application of the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Application with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm aids in identifying relationships among caniforms based on the presence or absence of specific muscles. Our analysis reveals several key differences, including the presence of a biceps brachii with two capita (longum and breve), two coracobrachiales muscles (longus and brevis), a tensor fasciae antebrachii with two distinct parts (cranialis and caudalis), and an anconeus medialis. The caput breve of the biceps brachii and coracobrachialis longus muscles are absent in some individuals, with prevalence rates of 10% and 20%, respectively. One specimen exhibited an accessory caput laterale of the m. triceps brachii bilaterally. The comparative analysis suggests that the shoulder and brachial muscles of Potos flavus share more similarities with those of Ailurus fulgens and ursids of the genera Ursus and Tremarctos. These findings suggest the retention of muscles that may have been present in the common ancestor of the infraorder Arctoidea.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e101487

Authors: Vuong Tan Tu, Neil M. Furey, Tamás Görföl, Alexandre Hassanin, Satoru Arai, Daisuke Koyabu, Bounsavane Douangboubpha, Gábor Csorba

Abstract: This study integrates analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences and morphological and acoustic data to re-evaluate the taxonomic status of Rhinolophus rex rex, R. r. paradoxolophus and R. schnitzleri throughout their distribution ranges. Based on a dense geographic sampling of specimens hitherto referred to these taxa and contrary to the current taxonomic view, our results indicate that all examined specimens of these taxa are representatives of a single, widely distributed and morphologically variable species, R. rex. The recognition of its geographic populations as different subspecies (R. r. rex and R. r. paradoxolophus) or distinct species (R. schnitzleri) based on morphological and acoustic data should be regarded as invalid. In the light of this revision, we also reassess the conservation status of R. rex against IUCN Red List criteria as Near Threatened.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e101065

Authors: Pablo Teta, J. Pablo Jayat, Raquel Alvarado-Larios, Agustina A. Ojeda, Pablo Cuello, Guillermo D’Elía

Abstract: The genus Ctenomys of subterranean rodents is one of the most species-rich genera of Mammalia, with 66 living species currently recognized. However, the taxonomy of the genus is dynamic with several new species and new synonymies proposed during the last decade. One of the species groups that have undergone more changes in contents in the last years is the Ctenomys mendocinus species group. Here, based on phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences and qualitative and quantitative morphological evidence, we conducted an appraisal of the species richness of tuco-tucos of the C. mendocinus species group, describing two new species from west-central Argentina. The new taxa are morphometrically distinctive when compared with other geographically or phylogenetically close species of the genus, showing qualitative differences in their craniodental anatomy. One of the new species is known from the eastern Andean slopes of La Rioja and San Juan provinces, occurring on montane grasslands and shrublands above 3,500 m a.s.l., while the other is endemic of southwestern Mendoza province, occurring on montane grasslands and shrublands between 2,400–2,700 m a.s.l. In addition, we include for the first time the nominal forms C. fochi and C. validus in a phylogenetic analysis of the genus Ctenomys, showing that both correspond to the C. mendocinus species group, being the second a junior synonym of C. mendocinus. Finally, we made some comments about other candidate species within this species group as well as highlight issues that need to be addressed to gain a robust picture of the specific richness of Ctenomys.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e96656

Authors: Diego H. Verzi, Nahuel A. De Santi, A. Itatí Olivares, Cecilia C. Morgan, Néstor G. Basso, Federico Brook

Abstract: The subterranean rodent Ctenomys is the most polytypic South American mammal genus and one of the most speciose and rapidly diversifying mammal genera in the world. Its systematics is unstable due to the underlying accelerated diversification processes that give rise to evolutionary lineages at different stages of differentiation and to remarkable morphological homogeneity even among long-differentiated species. As a result, species boundaries are often difficult to define. Diversity of this genus in the coastal area of central Argentina has been extensively studied, with two independent lineages currently recognized while a distinct third population had not been previously detected. Through a phylogenetic analysis based on combined morphological and molecular evidence, Bayesian estimates of divergence times, and morphometric and morphological assessments, we recognize this third population as an independently evolving lineage. The new species, Ctenomys pulcer sp. nov., is here described for both the living fauna and the fossil record of the Pampean region of central Argentina. According to phylogenetic results, Ctenomys pulcer sp. nov. belongs to the essentially Patagonian magellanicus clade, and would have diverged from its sister species, Ctenomys bidaui, during the middle Pleistocene (ca. 0.4 Ma). Its current distribution in the fixed and semifixed dunes of the coastal Pampean region is assumed to represent a relict of a wider and continuous distribution of potentially suitable environments during the late Pleistocene. Ctenomys pulcer sp. nov. occurs in a particularly fragile natural system subjected to profound disturbances caused by diverse anthropic actions and therefore measures for the conservation of its habitat will be indispensable.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e94111

Authors: Willem G. Coetzer

Abstract: The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is an African rodent with a wide Sub-Saharan distribution range. This species is viewed as an important protein source in many African countries. These rodents are also regularly viewed as a pest species who frequently raid croplands in agricultural settings. No phylogenetic work has to date been published on T. swinderianus from southern Africa. This paper therefore reports the first phylogenetic assessment on the species across the South African distribution range. Thirty samples were sourced from local museum collections, with one direct submission by a member of the public who found a rodent carcass identified as T. swinderianus west of its known distribution range in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Two mitochondrial loci previously used in West African studies of this species were used in the current study to asses T. swinderianus population genetic diversity and phylogenetic structure across the South African distribution. A comparison to sequence data from West Africa was also performed. A divergence time estimation was conducted to further investigate the evolutionary history of the South African sub-population. Similar genetic diversity estimates were observed for the South African sub-population when compared to the West African datasets. Specimens from the eastern parts of South Africa showed higher genetic diversity estimates, possibly indicative of an initial colonisation site from eastern Africa. Two distinct phylogenetic clades were identified by Bayesian inference, forming distinct West African and South African groups. The divergence estimates showed similar ages for the T. swinderianus most recent common ancestor (MRCA) as previously reported. The MRCA estimates for the South African group identified a possible middle to late Pleistocene migratory event from eastern African into southern Africa. Further fine scale sampling across the African distribution range is however needed to provide more accurate assessments for future conservation management planning for the different sub-populations, as needed.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e90958

Authors: Roberto Leonan M. Novaes, Vinícius C. Cláudio, M. Mónica Díaz, Don E. Wilson, Marcelo Weksler, Ricardo Moratelli

Abstract: Myotis is the most speciose genus of mammals in the world and recent taxonomic revisions have revealed an impressive diversity of species in South America. Even so, the phenotypic conservatism of some taxa makes taxonomic delimitation difficult. We perform a taxonomic review of Myotis from Argentina based on qualitative and quantitative morphological characters. Our results confirm the occurrence of 12 species (M. albescens, M. chiloensis, M. dinellii, M. izecksohni, M. keaysi, M. lavali, M. levis, M. nigricans, M. oxyotus, M. riparius, M. ruber, and M. cf. simus) and revealed an additional new species for the Yungas Forest. The new species is small to medium (forearm length ~ 35 mm) and can be distinguished from its congeners by a set of characters that includes forearm length, cranial measurements, discrete craniodental characters, and fur color. This review does not exhaust the need for new systematic studies with Argentinean Myotis, considering the possibility of occurrence of new species and the great morphological variation found for some complex taxa.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e90840

Authors: Wolfgang Maier, Adrian Tröscher, Irina Ruf

Abstract: Modern phylogenetics place the Soricidae (shrews) into the order Lipotyphla, which belongs to the relatively new superorder clade Laurasiatheria. Their most derived skull feature is the unusual position and shape of the jaw articulation: Whereas in all other mammals the glenoid region of the squamosum is more or less tightly attached to the otic capsule or petrosal, respectively, in the soricids it is attached to the nasal capsule. This new position of the jaw articulation becomes possible by the posterior extension of the nasal capsule and the rostral shift of the glenoid fossa. By the study of dated postnatal ontogenetic stages of Crocidura russula and Sorex araneus, we show that the glenoid part of the squamosal becomes fixed to the nasal capsule by the ossified alae orbitalis and temporalis. The ala orbitalis is displaced laterally by the expanded cupula nasi posterior; this posterior expansion is well documented by the lamina terminalis, which incorporates parts of the palatinum and alisphenoid. Both alae consist largely of ‘Zuwachsknochen’ (‘appositional bone’) and are then named orbitosphenoid and alisphenoid. By the forward move of the pars glenoidea and of the alisphenoid, the foramen lacerum medium (‘fenestra piriformis’) also expands rostrally. Functionally, the forward shift of the jaw joint helps to keep the incisal biting force high. Biomechanically the jaws can be considered as a tweezer, and the rostral position of the jaw joints makes the interorbital pillar and the shell-like walls of the facial skull a lever for the highly specialized incisal dentition.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e90474

Authors: Zainab Dashti, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

Abstract: Populations of broadly distributed species often exhibit geographic structuring, which is sometimes reflected in phenotype. The monotypic Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) is an example of a widely distributed species, with its range encompassing much of Asia. This study aims to determine if T. indica populations exhibit marked variation in skull morphology—this structure is particularly adaptable and thus could be amenable to show such variation. Furthermore, the potential drivers of skull variation are examined, including the role of climate and geography. To achieve these goals, 21 linear measurements were measured on the skulls of 509 specimens, coming from 111 different localities, across this species wide range. The specimens were then assigned into one of four broad geographic groups (≈ populations) based on their geographic proximity, and the overall and the pairwise differences in the 21 skull measurements among these groups were assessed. Specimens from Pakistan significantly differed from those belonging to the West Iran, East Iran, and India populations, which in turn did not significantly differ from each other. Pairwise bioclimatic and geographic distances between the localities explained a significant, yet small amount of variation in the measurements. Thus, while the Pakistani T. indica population was distinct in skull measurements, both climatic and non-climatic spatial factors seem not to account largely for its distinctiveness (from the other populations).

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e82874

Authors: Mathias Wirkner, Katharina Heyder, Irina Ruf

Abstract: The bony labyrinth (inner ear) of mammals reveals systematic as well as morphofunctional information. However, detailed knowledge of bony labyrinth morphology and ontogeny in Pantherinae, that comprise some of the most iconic mammals, is still pending. Hence, we present the first comparative description of the bony labyrinth in all extant species of Panthera and Neofelis some of which are represented by several postnatal stages; particular focus is set on Panthera leo. Our study is based on µCT scans and virtual 3D reconstructions and accompanied by selected morphometric measurements. Even though quite similar in morphology, both genera as well as their species can be distinguished by several features, e.g., shape and relative size of the semicircular canals and presence or absence of an osseous secondary crus commune. In case of the latter, P. pardus shows some intraspecific variation. We also traced the reduction of the fossa subarcuata during ontogeny in P. leo which conforms with previous studies. Negative allometry of the bony labyrinth in relation to skull basal length can be observed during ontogeny as demonstrated by P. leo as well as between different sized species. Although not correlated with the length of the cochlear canal, the number of cochlear turns is higher in captive non-adult P. leo and P. tigris, but lower in adult captive P. pardus. If these intraspecific differences are related to captivity or represent an ontogenetic pattern, needs to be evaluated in future studies based on larger samples.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e83324

Authors: Irina Ruf

Abstract: The turbinal skeleton inside the nasal cavity supports the respiratory and olfactory epithelia of the mammalian nose and can provide systematic and morphofunctional information. For the first time, the turbinal skeleton of Pentalagus furnessi (Amami rabbit) from Japan is described based on µCT scans and virtual 3D reconstructions of two specimens. In general, the turbinal skeleton of Pentalagus furnessi resembles the pattern and characters observed in other Leporidae. The maxilloturbinal is highly dendritic, nasoturbinal and crista semicircularis are in close contact and form a common recess, the frontoturbinal recess houses two frontoturbinals and one interturbinal between them, the ethmoturbinal recess houses three ethmoturbinals and one interturbinal between ethmoturbinal I and II. Pentalagus furnessi is derived from the leporid grundplan in having a lamina semicircularis with almost straight posterior margin and ventral lamella and in showing a single-scrolled and relatively short interturbinal between frontoturbinal 1 and 2. These characters can be regarded as autapomorphic for the Amami rabbit. Furthermore, the two specimens have an additional small and short interturbinal between frontoturbinal 2 and ethmoturbinal I that shows some variation. This pattern supports previous observations of intraspecific variation of certain interturbinals in Oryctolagus cuniculus and some Sylvilagus and Lepus species. The comparison of the turbinal skeleton of Pentalagus furnessi and its possible sister taxon (e.g., Pronolagus, Poelagus or Caprolagus) reveals a puzzling pattern which is discussed.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.71.e70989

Authors: Haithem El-Farhati, Mourad Khaldi, Alexis Ribas, Mohamed Wassim Hizem, Saïd Nouira, Violaine Nicolas

Abstract: Abstract Two species of hedgehogs are known to occur in northern part of Africa: the Algerian hedgehog Atelerix algirus and the Ethiopian hedgehog Paraechinus aethiopicus. Within each species several subspecies were described based on morphometrical data and pelage coloration, but all these subspecies have enigmatic and unclear definitions. We investigated the phylogeographical history and taxonomy of these two species based on mitochondrial DNA data covering the entire geographical distribution of A. algirus and the North African distribution of P. aethiopicus. We also used climatic niche modelling to make inferences about their evolutionary history. Low genetic diversity was recovered in both species. While no phylogeographic pattern was found in P. aethiopicus, two haplogroups were identified within A. algirus. This could be explained by the fact that continuous high or moderate climatic suitability occurred throughout most of the Saharan desert since the LGM (Last Glacial Maximum) for the first species, while during the LGM there were several disconnected areas of high climatic suitability for A. algirus: one in South-West Morocco, one at the coastal Moroccan-Algerian border and one in Tunisia-coastal Libya. Our genetic results confirm that A. algirus recently colonized Spain, Balearic and Canary Islands, and that this colonization was probably mediated by humans. Suitable climatic conditions occurred throughout most of the Southern and Eastern Iberian Peninsula during the last 6,000 years which could have favored the spatial expansion of the Algerian hedgehog after its arrival in Europe. According to our molecular results subspecific recognition within North Africa is unwarranted for both species.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.71.e73146

Authors: Roberto Leonan M. Novaes, Don E. Wilson, Ricardo Moratelli

Abstract: Abstract The genus Myotis comprises a diverse group of vesper bats with worldwide distribution. Twenty-eight neotropical species are currently recognized. Based on a morphological approach, we describe a new species of Myotis from the Uruguayan Pampas grasslands, an ecoregion under high anthropogenic pressure with a largely unknown bat fauna. Qualitative and quantitative morphological analyses support the recognition of the new species and we present a set of external and cranial diagnostic characters by comparing them with other neotropical Myotis species. The new species reassembles Myotis riparius, but can be distinguished by a set of qualitative and quantitative morphological traits, including its clearly bicolored dorsal fur, tricolored ventral fur, a pelage on the dorsal surface of uropatagium, sagittal crest lower, braincase lower in lateral view and overall smaller size.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/vz.71.e68897

Authors: Emmanuel Matamba, Leigh R. Richards, Michael I. Cherry, Ramugondo V. Rambau

Abstract: Abstract South African small mammals are under-represented in DNA barcoding efforts, particularly from the eastern forested regions of the country. This study reports DNA barcoding of Rhabdomys taxa from previously unsampled parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. The complete mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was sequenced for 101 Rhabdomys sp. individuals from 16 localities from all three main forest groups (coastal, mistbelt, and scarp forests). Molecular data were supplemented with external morphological measurements, including those deemed potential taxonomically diagnostic characters. Findings indicate the area to be inhabited solely by Rhabdomys dilectus chakae. Haplotypes distributed across the three forest groups were separated by shallow sequence divergences ranging from 0.001–0.015 (Kimura 2-parameter model) and displayed very little population genetic structure (FST= 0.071787). Morphological data revealed some regional metric differences in external morphology, but all the head-and-body to tail (HB: tail) ratios match that of R. d. chakae, and consequently, molecular and morphological data are congruent. These data confirm a range extension of R. d. chakae, supporting the utility of COI barcodes in the identification of small mammalian species.

HTML

XML

PDF