[Mammalogy • 2018] Neacomys rosalindae & N. macedoruizi • An Introduction to the Systematics of Small-Bodied Neacomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from Peru with Descriptions of Two New Species

Neacomys rosalindae

Sánchez-Vendizú, Pacheco & Vivas-Ruiz, 2018

  

DOI: 10.1206/3913.1  digitallibrary.amnh.org

ABSTRACT

The genus Neacomys includes 10 recognized species of Neotropical spiny mice in the tribe Oryzomyini. Five species have previously been reported from Peru, but the small-bodied Peruvian taxa remain unrevised. In this report, we present the first systematic and taxonomic revision of small-bodied Neacomys populations in Peru and describe two new species based on molecular, morphological, and karyotype data: (1) Neacomys rosalindae, sp. nov., from northeastern Peru, is distinguished from congeneric species by, among other differences, short incisive foramina with a wide maxillary portion of the septum, a small subsquamosal fenestra, and a karyotype of 2n = 48, FN = 50. (2) Neacomys macedoruizi, sp. nov., from central Peru, is distinguished by its gray-based ventral fur, large infraorbital foramen, and karyotype of 2n = 28, FN = 36, with a distinctively large pair of metacentric chromosomes. The results of our molecular analyses suggest that N. minutus (as currently recognized) is a species complex comprised of N. minutus sensu stricto, N. macedoruizi, and a third form that remains to be described. The other species described here, N. rosalindae, is the sister taxon to a cluster that includes the N. minutus complex plus N. musseri. Our data suggest that the upper Amazon River constitutes an important dispersal barrier for species in this genus.

FIGURE 1. Neacomys macedoruizi (MUSA 19692). Notice the bicolored ventral fur (image at upper right). Photo by Alexander Pari Chipana.

Neacomys macedoruizi, new species

 Etymology: The species is named in honor of Hernando de Macedo Ruiz (fig. 8), curatorof the collections of the former “Sección de Aves y Mamíferos” and erstwhile director of MUSM,who worked industriously to promote scientific research in Peru. Among his many achievementswere the creation of the journal “Folia Biologica Andina,” the establishment of the “Estación Altoandina de Biología,” the rediscovery of the monkey Lagothrix flavicauda, and the enduring commitment he showed to the improvement of the Museo de Historia Natural (Lima, Peru).

FIGURE 9. Neacomys rosalindae (MUSM 44971). Photo by Víctor Pacheco.

Neacomys rosalindae, new species

Etymology: The species is named in honor of Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958),  whose pioneering  X-ray diffraction studies of DNA structure were an important milestone of 20th century biology.

 Pamela Sánchez-Vendizú, Víctor Pacheco and Dan Vivas-Ruiz. 2018. An Introduction to the Systematics of Small-Bodied Neacomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from Peru with Descriptions of Two New Species. American Museum Novitates. 3913; 1-38. DOI: 10.1206/3913.1  digitallibrary.amnh.org/handle/2246/6917

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[PaleoMammalogy • 2018] Miopetaurista neogrivensis • Oldest Skeleton of A Fossil Flying Squirrel Casts New Light on the Phylogeny of the Group

Miopetaurista neogrivensis Mein 1970

in Casanovas-Vilar, Garcia-Porta, Fortuny, et al., 2018. 

DOI:  10.7554/eLife.39270.001

Abstract

Flying squirrels are the only group of gliding mammals with a remarkable diversity and wide geographical range. However, their evolutionary story is not well known. Thus far, identification of extinct flying squirrels has been exclusively based on dental features, which, contrary to certain postcranial characters, are not unique to them. Therefore, fossils attributed to this clade may indeed belong to other squirrel groups. Here we report the oldest fossil skeleton of a flying squirrel (11.6 Ma) that displays the gliding-related diagnostic features shared by extant forms and allows for a recalibration of the divergence time between tree and flying squirrels. Our phylogenetic analyses combining morphological and molecular data generally support older dates than previous molecular estimates (~23 Ma), being congruent with the inclusion of some of the earliest fossils (~36 Ma) into this clade. They also show that flying squirrels experienced little morphological change for almost 12 million years.

Fig 1: The fossil flying squirrel Miopetaurista neogrivensis.
 (a) Reconstruction of the skeleton based in the partial skeleton IPS56468 from Abocador de Can Mata. Missing elements are based on extant giant flying squirrel Petaurista petaurista and are colored in blue.
(b) Life appearance of Miopetaurista neogrivensis showing the animal ready to land on a tree branch. Coat pattern and color are based in extant Petaurista species, the sister taxon of Miopetaurista.  Scale bar is 4 cm.

Fig 3: Mandible and cheek teeth of Miopetaurista neogrivensis.
 (a to c) Partial left hemimandible (IPS56468j) in lateral, medial and dorsal views. (d to e) Partial right hemimandible (IPS56468i) in lateral and medial views. A caudal vertebra and a bone fragment are attached to the lateral side of the mandibular ramus. Both hemimandibles were associated to the partial skeleton IPS56468 from ACM/C5-D1. (f to g) Partial hemimandible (IPS87560) from ACM/C8-B sector in lateral and medial views. (h) Left upper cheek teeth series (P3–M3) of IPS56468h (Figure 6—Figure supplement 1 ). (i) Left lower cheek teeth series (p4–m3) of IPS56468j. Cheek teeth measurements are given in Supplementary file 4 whereas mandibular measurements are given in Supplementary file 6. For a detailed description and comparisons of cheek teeth and mandible morphology see Appendix 3.1 and 3.2. an, angular process; ar, articular process; co, coronoid process. Scale bar is 1 cm in figs. a to g; 2 mm in (h to i).

Fig 7: Flying squirrel phylogeny and node dating estimates based on a Bayesian total evidence analysis including Miopetaurista neogrivensis.

Fig 8: Fossil record of ‘flying squirrels’ and paleoclimatic data. Temporal ranges of purported flying squirrel genera in Europe, Asia and North America. The 95% highest posterior density (HPD) intervals for flying squirrel divergence as derived from total evidence and node dating analyses are indicated in orange shading (see Figure 7 and Figure 7—figure supplement 1 ). Darker shading indicates the time interval where both independently calculated estimates overlap, thus defining the most likely time interval for flying squirrel divergence. Global paleoclimatic data are taken from Zachos et al., 2001.

Conclusions: 

Miopetaurista neogrivensis is the oldest unquestionable flying squirrel and dates back to the middle/late Miocene boundary (11.6 Ma). Its diagnostic wrist anatomy indicates that the two subtribes of flying squirrels had already diverged at that time. Moreover, this new fossil allows for a recalibration of flying squirrel time of origin and diversification, generally providing somewhat older estimates than previous molecular analyses. These differ according to the phylogenetic method used, total evidence analysis estimates an interval of 36.6 – 24.9 Ma while node dating results in a younger estimate of 30.6 – 17.4 Ma. Therefore, we cannot rule out that at least some of the oldest (ca. 36 Ma) fossils tentatively identified as flying squirrels may indeed belong to this group. However, the estimates of both independent phylogenetic approaches overlap for the late Oligocene (31 – 25 Ma), which should be considered the most likely interval for flying squirrel divergence. The two flying squirrel subtribes are found to have diverged during the early Miocene (22 – 18 Ma) while most extant genera would do so during the Miocene, although they are not recorded until the Pleistocene. Miopetaurista neogrivensis is estimated to have diverged from Petaurista spp., its sister taxon, between 18.8 – 12.4 Ma, the oldest boundary overlapping with the earliest record of the genus Miopetaurista (18 – 17 Ma). Perhaps not surprisingly, the skeletons of both genera show little differences. Sciurids are often regarded as a morphologically conservative group and flying squirrels are no exception having experienced few morphological changes for almost 12 million years.

Isaac Casanovas-Vilar, Joan Garcia-Porta, Josep Fortuny, Óscar Sanisidro, Jérôme Prieto, Marina Querejeta, Sergio Llácer, Josep M Robles, Federico Bernardini, and David M Alba. 2018. Oldest Skeleton of A Fossil Flying Squirrel Casts New Light on the Phylogeny of the Group.  eLife. 7; e39270 DOI:  10.7554/eLife.39270.001

Oldest fossil of a flying squirrel sheds new light on its evolutionary tree
bit.ly/2Eaqv3f via @elife @EurekAlert

phys.org/news/2018-10-oldest-fossil-squirrel-evolutionary-tree.html via @physorg_com

[Mammalogy • 2018] Ethiopian Highlands as A Cradle of the African Fossorial Root-rats (Genus Tachyoryctes), the Genetic Evidence

Šumbera, Krásová, Lavrenchenko, et al., 2018.

  DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.003 

 Highlights

• Six major genetic clades do not correspond to the expected two or 13 root-rat species.

• Ethiopian, and not Kenyan, highlands are the cradle of the genus diversity.

• Root-rat history was shaped by climatic oscillations and complex geomorphology.

• The giant root-rat is an internal lineage of the genus modified for life in the Afroalpine.

• Root-rats and mole-rats represent different specialisations for the subterranean niche.

Abstract

Root-rats of the genus Tachyoryctes (Spalacidae) are subterranean herbivores occupying open humid habitats in the highlands of Eastern Africa. There is strong disagreement about species diversity of the genus, because some authors accept two species, while others more than ten. Species with relatively high surface activity, the giant root-rat Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, which is by far largest member of the genus, and the more fossorial African root-rat Tachyoryctes splendens, which eventually has been divided up to 12-13 species, represent two major morphological forms within the genus. In our study, we carried out a multilocus analysis of root-rats’ genetic diversity based on samples from 41 localities representing most of Tachyoryctes geographic distribution. Using two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes, we found six main genetic clades possibly representing separate species. These clades were organised into three basal groups whose branching is not well resolved, probably due to fast radiation in the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene. Climatic changes in that time, i.e. fast and repeated changes between extremely dry and humid conditions, which both limited root-rat dispersal, probably stimulated their initial genetic diversification. Contrary to expectation based on the largest root-rat diversity in Kenya (up to eight species by some authors), we found the highest diversity in the Ethiopian highlands, because all but one putative species occur there. All individuals outside of Ethiopia belong to a single recently diverged and expanded clade. This species should bear the name T. annectens (Thomas, 1891), and all other names of taxa described from outside of Ethiopia should be considered its junior synonyms. However, to solve taxonomic issues, future detailed morphological analyses should be conducted on all main clades together with genetic analysis of material from areas of their supposed contact. One of the most interesting findings of the study is the internal position of T. macrocephalus in T. splendens sensu lato. This demonstrates the intriguing phenomenon of accelerated morphological evolution of rodents occupying the Afroalpine zone in Ethiopia. Finally, we discuss how the distribution of Tachyoryctes is influenced by competition with another group of subterranean herbivores on the continent, the African mole-rats. We assume that both groups do not compete directly as previously expected, but specialisation to different subterranean niches is the main factor responsible for their spatial segregation.

Keywords: Tachyoryctes; fossorial rodent; Eastern Africa; Plio-Pleistocene climatic changes; Great Rift Valley; multi-species coalescent

 Conclusion: 

Contrary to the expectation that root-rats have their highest species diversity in the Kenyan highlands, our results convincingly demonstrated that the Ethiopian mountains are the centre of genus diversity and the cradle of the whole group. The evolution of extant root-rats took place in the Pleistocene and was affected mainly by the interplay between climate changes and the complex geomorphology, with the presence of high mountain massifs, in Ethiopia. Root-rat genetic structure in Ethiopia suggests several cryptic species that should be explored in future taxonomic work, because it is clear that current taxonomy does not reflect the evolutionary history of the genus at all. Probably all taxa described from outside Ethiopia are descendants of a single relatively recent “out-of-Ethiopia” dispersal event and should be considered as conspecific. The fact that the largest and morphologically most deviating species, T. macrocephalus, is not a sister but an internal lineage of “splendens” is further evidence of a fast morphological evolution in response to strong selection in the Afroalpine environment in Ethiopia. We may expect that more thorough genetic surveys of unique Afroalpine taxa will reveal more such findings not only in mammals, but also in other groups of vertebrates. Finally, ecological, behavioural and physiological studies could reveal how the distribution of root-rats is influenced by competition with the African mole-rats, another group of African rodents with subterranean habits.

Radim Šumbera, Jarmila Krásová, Leonid A. Lavrenchenko, Sewnet Mengistu, Afework Bekele, Ondřej Mikula and Josef Bryja. 2018. Ethiopian Highlands as A Cradle of the African Fossorial Root-rats (Genus Tachyoryctes), the Genetic Evidence. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. In Press.   DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.04.003

[Mammalogy • 2018] Halmaheramys wallacei • A New Species of Halmaheramys (Rodentia: Muridae) from Bisa and Obi Islands (North Maluku Province, Indonesia)

Halmaheramys wallacei

Fabre, Reeve, Fitriana, Aplin & Helgen, 2018

 DOI:  10.1093/jmammal/gyx160

 twitter.com/Mammals_Borneo

Abstract

We describe a new species of murine rodent from a skull collected on Bisa Island and 3 specimens from Obi Island, North Maluku Province, Indonesia. Molecular and morphological data indicate a close relationship with Halmaheramys bokimekot (Fabre et al. 2013). The new species is characterized by its combination of large size; short tail with large scales; spiny, coarse, dark dorsal pelage with long black guard hairs; and a dark gray ventral pelage that contrasts slightly with the dorsum. The Bisa specimen displays unusual zygomatic arch morphology, which may be a disease-related deformity, or potentially a sexually dimorphic trait. The new species shares several external and cranio-mandibular features with its sister species from Halmahera that differ from those of Rattus species, including a spiny pelt, deep palatine sulci, a high rostrum and relatively flat dorsal profile, short incisive foramina, short palatal bridge, and molars with simple occlusal patterns. Although certain morphological characteristics of the new taxon suggest an affinity with the taxonomically diverse and geographically widespread Rattus, in other respects it clearly fits into the Wallacean clade containing Bunomys, Paruromys, and Taeromys, as indicated by molecular phylogenetic analyses. Along with the recent discovery of Halmaheramys, recognition of this new species from Bisa and Obi Islands underscores the north Moluccan region’s high endemism, conservation importance, and the urgent need for a better inventory of its biodiversity.

Key words: anatomy, biogeography, Moluccas, Murinae, Rattus division, taxonomy, Wallacea

Fig. 11. Field photographs at collection localities for Halmaheramys wallacei sp. nov. (A) View of the mountain Gunung Sere, Obi Island, type locality of H. wallacei. (B) specific trapping locality of the holotype on Gunung Sere, Obi Island. (C) Specific trapping locality of the paratype from Cabang Sumbali, Obi Island. (D) Live specimen of H. wallacei sp. nov. (MZB 38227) in the field at Cabang Sumbali.

Halmaheramys wallacei, new species
Wallace’s large spiny rat, tikus-duri besar Wallace

 Bisa Rat Rattus sp.: Flannery 1995:162.

Halmaheramys bokimekot: Fabre et al. 2013:418.

Etymology.— The new species name honors the naturalist Alfred R. Wallace, who spent more than 10 years in the Malay Archipelago, and passed by Obi in difficult sailing. The presence of this rat in the Moluccas supports the concept of the Wallacea zoogeographic pattern for rodents, highlighting the mixed Asian and Australo-Papuan origins of murines in the region (see discussion on biogeography).

Vernacular names.— We suggest common names for this species both in English, “Wallace’s large spiny rat”, and in Bahasa Indonesia as “tikus-duri besar Wallace.”

Pierre-Henri Fabre, Andrew Hart Reeve, Yuli S. Fitriana, Ken P. Aplin and Kristofer M. Helgen. 2018. A New Species of Halmaheramys (Rodentia: Muridae) from Bisa and Obi Islands (North Maluku Province, Indonesia). Journal of Mammalogy.,  99(1); 187–208. DOI:  10.1093/jmammal/gyx160

ResearchGate.net/publication/322078417_A_new_species_of_Halmaheramys_from_North_Maluku_Indonesia

 twitter.com/Mammals_Borneo/status/945583994611077120

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Kami mendeskripsikan tikus jenis baru berdasarkan satu spesimen tengkorak yang dikoleksi dari Pulau Bisa dan 3 spesimen dari Pulau Obi, Propinsi Maluku Utara, Indonesia. Data molekuler dan morfologi menunjukkan adanya hubungan yang erat dengan Halmaheramys bokimekot (Fabre et al. 2013). Jenis baru ini dicirikan dengan kombinasi berbagai karakter yaitu ukuran tubuh besar; ekor pendek dengan sisik besar; rambut kasar, berduri, di bagian dorsal berwarna gelap dengan rambut-rambut penjaga panjang berwarna hitam; dan rambut di bagian ventral berwarna abu-abu tua, sedikit kontras dengan bagian dorsal. Pada “zygomatic arch” spesimen tengkorak dari Pulau Bisa terlihat berbeda, hal ini mungkin merupakan kelainan bentuk akibat penyakit atau berpotensi sebagai ciri seksual dimorfisme. Jenis baru ini memiliki beberapa ciri eksternal dan cranio-mandibular yang mirip dengan spesies sejenisnya dari Halmahera yang diketahui berbeda dari jenis-jenis Rattus antara lain kulit tertutup rambut berduri, sulkus palatum dalam, rostrum tinggi dengan profil datar di bagian dorsal, foramen incisifum pendek, rigi palatum pendek, dan pola oklusi sederhana pada gigi geraham. Meskipun karakteristik morfologi tertentu dari jenis baru ini menunjukkan kemungkinan afinitas dengan genus Rattus yang secara geografi jenisnya beragam dan terdistribusi luas, namun berdasarkan hasil analisa filogenetik molekuler, spesies baru ini jelas berada dalam satu klade dengan klaster Wallacean yang terdiri dari Bunomys, Paruromys, dan Taeromys. Seiring dengan penemuan Halmaheramys baru-baru ini, pengenalan spesies baru dari Kepulauan Bisa dan Obi menggarisbawahi tingginya endemisitas dan pentingnya konservasi di Maluku Utara, serta urgensi inventarisasi keanekaragaman hayati yang lebih baik.

[Mammalogy • 2018] Systematics, Distribution and Ecological Analysis of Rodents in Jordan

Acomys russatus lewisi  Atallah, 1967

in Amr, Abu Baker, Qumsiyeh & Eid, 2018.

  DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4397.1.1 

Abstract

Distributional and ecological data were given to all rodents of Jordan. The rodent fauna of Jordan consists of 28 species with 20 genera in eight families (Cricetidae, Dipodidae, Gliridae, Hystricidae, Muridae, Myocastoridae, Sciuridae,and Spalacidae), including four introduced species.Keys for families and species were provided, along with diagnosis for each species and cranial illustrations for most species. Habitat preference and zoogeographic affinities of rodents in Jordan were analyzed, as well as their status and conservation.Threat categories and causes of threats on the rodents of Jordan were also analyzed.

        The distribution of rodents in Jordan represents a reflection of their global distribution ranges and habitat preferences. Species associated with the temperate forest of northern Jordan includes Sciurus anomalus and two wood mice, Apodemus mystacinus and A. flavicollis, while non-forested areas are represented by Nannospalax ehrenbergi and Microtus guentheri. Strict sand dwellers include Gerbillus cheesmani and G. gerbillus. Petrophiles associated with sandstone or black lava deserts are exemplified by Acomys russatus, A. r. lewsi, H. indica and S. calurus. Others including: Jaculus jaculus, G. nanus, G. henleyi, Meriones crassus, and M. libycus are all desert-adapted species with wider ranges of distribution where scarce vegetation, wadibeds, and marabs with clay, loess, or gravel surfaces provide foraging grounds and shelter. A single species, Gerbillus dasyurus, exhibits a wide range of distribution over diverse habitat types.

        The rodent fauna of Jordan consists of assemblages of different zoogeographical affinities. Nine, three, and seven were restricted or had most of its range within the Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Saharo Arabian, respectively. Sciurus anomalus, Apodemus sp., Nannospalax ehrenbergi, and Microtus guentheri reached their most southern range of distribution in the Mediterranean regions of Jordan. The distribution of Gerbillus cheesmani extends from Asian deserts in India westwards into the Arabian Peninsula crossing Jordan as its most western range of distribution. Typical rodents of Saharo-Arabian affinities are represented by desert jerboas, gerbils, and jirds. North African species such as G. andersoni, G. gerbillus reached their most eastern distribution in southern Jordan. Both G. henleyi and G. nanus are widely-distributed species across North Africa reaching as far as India to the east, representing most northern outpost for these two species. Sekeetamys calurus is a nearly endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean region within southern Jordan and Sinai. Relicts are represented by Eliomys melanurus and Acomys russatus lewisi.

        Several threats affecting the rodent biodiversity in Jordan were identified including habitat loss and degradation, human disturbance and related activity, legislative and public awareness. The global conservation status of the rodents of Jordan according to the IUCN Red List include 22 species as least concern, one as near threatened (Allactaga euphratica), and one as data deficient (Nannospalax ehrenbergi). According to the regional assessment, one species is critically endangered, three species are considered endangered, one vulnerable.

Keywords: Mammalia, biodiversity, habitat preference, Jordan, rodents, zoogeography

Acomys russatus lewisi Atallah, 1967 

Zuhair S. Amr, Mohammad A. Abu Baker, Mazin Qumsiyeh and  Ehab Eid. 2018.  Systematics, Distribution and Ecological Analysis of Rodents in Jordan. Zootaxa. 4397(1);  1-94.   DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4397.1.1

[Mammalogy • 2017] Typhlomys chapensis • A Blind Climber: The First Evidence of Ultrasonic Echolocation in Arboreal Mammals

Typhlomys chapensis Osgood, 1932

Panyutina, Kuznetsov, Volodin, et al., 2017.

DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12249 

Abstract

 The means of orientation is studied in the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse Typhlomys chapensis, a poorly known enigmatic semi-fossorial semi-arboreal rodent. Data on eye structure are presented, which prove that Typhlomys (translated as "the blind mouse") is incapable of object vision – the retina is folded and retains no more than 2 500 ganglion cells in the focal plane, and the optic nerve is subject to gliosis. Hence, Typhlomys has no other means for rapid long-range orientation among tree branches other than echolocation. Ultrasonic vocalization recordings at the frequency range of 50-100 kHz support this hypothesis. The vocalizations are represented by bouts of up to 7 more or less evenly-spaced and uniform frequency-modulated sweep-like pulses in rapid succession. Structurally, these sweeps are similar to frequency-modulated ultrasonic echolocation calls of some bat species, but they are too faint to be revealed with a common bat detector. When recording video simultaneously with the ultrasonic audio, a significantly greater pulse rate during locomotion compared to that of resting animals has been demonstrated. Our findings of locomotion-associated ultrasonic vocalization in a fast-climbing but weakly-sighted small mammal ecotype add support to the "echolocation-first theory" of pre-flight origin of echolocation in bats.

 Key words: ultrasonic echolocation, locomotor behaviour, arboreal locomotion, reduced eyes, Typhlomys, Rodentia

Figure 1 Vietnamese pygmy dormouse Typhlomys chapensis. Its reduced eyes are reflected in the generic name, which means “the blind mouse.”

Concluding remarks. The major limitations of our study were the small number of live individuals to experiment with and the poor quality of dead specimens for histology. This is due to the extreme rarity of the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse, or "blind mouse" in nature. That is why our conclusions, though rather convincing, are still preliminary. Additional research is required to describe in detail the acoustic patterns of ultrasonic pulses and bouts in Typhlomys and to compare them with the known acoustics of bats and with non-echolocation ultrasonic calls of other rodents. A remaining question is the mechanism of signal production – is it located in the larynx? and is the animal entirely incapable to communicate in the human-audible range indeed? It will be of interest to investigate the degree of eye degeneration and development of echolocation in a closely related and very similar species, the Chinese pygmy dormouse – Typhlomys cinereus.

Aleksandra A. Panyutina, Alexander N. Kuznetsov, Ilya A. Volodin, Alexey V. Abramov and Irina B. Soldatova. 2017. A Blind Climber: The First Evidence of Ultrasonic Echolocation in Arboreal Mammals. Integrative Zoology. 12(2); 172–184.  DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12249

ResearchGate.net/publication/311760839_A_blind_climber_The_first_evidence_of_ultrasonic_echolocation_in_arboreal_mammals

 Video: Blind mouse navigates like a bat sciencemag.org/news/2017/01/video-blind-mouse-navigates-bat

Blind climber science.sciencemag.org/content/355/6322/258.5

An echolocating dormouse could reveal the origins of one of nature's coolest superpowers http://po.st/YfQ1MK  @SmithsonianMag

Rare rodent is the first tree-climbing mammal known to echolocate like a bat | MNN  mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/stories/rare-rodent-first-tree-climbing-mammal-known-echolocate-bat

[Mammalogy • 2017] Ototylomys chiapensis • A New Species of Big-eared Climbing Rat, Genus Ototylomys (Cricetidae: Tylomyinae), from Chiapas, Mexico

Ototylomys chiapensis

 Porter, Beasley, Ordóñez-Garza, Lindsey, Rogers, Lewis-Rogers, Sites, & Bradley, 2017

La Pera Big-eared Climbing Rat; Rata orejuda trepadora de La Pera  ||  DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx096 

sternberg.fhsu.edu

Abstract

An allopatric population of big-eared climbing rats (Ototylomys) from the Northern Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, is described as a new species. The new taxon is part of a unique montane rainforest community that includes several other endemic species in the limited geographic range between the Río Grijalva and the Central Depression of Chiapas. Several cranial, external, and molecular characters distinguish this new species of big-eared climbing rat from its more widely distributed congener, Ototylomys phyllotis. We performed principal component and discriminate function analyses of cranial measurements, and found that specimens of the new species consistently could be distinguished from other Ototylomys with strong statistical support. Compared with exemplars of Ototylomys from elsewhere in their range, the new species possesses a karyotype that differs by 3 additional biarmed chromosome pairs, is fixed or nearly fixed for distinct electromorphs at 12 allozyme loci, and the mean genetic distance exceeds 14%, based on comparisons of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene between the new species of Ototylomys and representatives of O. phyllotis. The restricted distribution in montane karst rainforest suggests that the species and its habitat may be a matter of conservation concern.

Taxonomy

Family Cricetidae Fischer, 1817

Subfamily Tylomyinae Reig, 1984

Tribe Tylomyini Reig, 1984

Genus Ototylomys Merriam, 1901

Ototylomys chiapensis, new species

La Pera Big-eared Climbing Rat; Rata orejuda trepadora de La Pera

Ototylomys phyllotis connectens: Baker et al. 1971 [1973]:82 (part, faunal report based on a specimen collected in 1969, here reidentified as O. chiapensis).

Ototylomys phyllotis connectens: Hall 1981:629 (part, marginal locality record based on Baker et al. 1971 [1973]).

Ototylomys phyllotis: Lawlor 1982:3 (part, karyotypic report based on Engstrom and Tucker, cited as in litt.).

Ototylomys sp.: Rogers, Engstrom, and Arellano 2004:439 (allozyme data from 2 specimens included in the present study).

Ototylomys sp. nov.: Dudley and Parish 2006:4 (referenced as endemic to El Pozo [= La Pera]).

Ototylomys chiapensis paratype (MVZ 161246).

Photograph by Duke S. Rogers.

sternberg.fhsu.edu

Etymology: The specific name refers to the species distribution in the Mexican state of Chiapas.

Distribution: Known only from the type locality and from 26 km N Ocozocoautla, both in the Mexican state of Chiapas (Figs. 1 and 2). The latter locality is in the municipality of Ocozocoautla de Espinoza at ca. 760 m elevation in the Reserva de la Biosféra Selva El Ocote, and is measured along the “old road” northwest of the city of Ocozocoautla de Espinoza (Johnson et al. 1976; Johnson and Savage 1995; Lamoreux et al. 2015).

Calvin A. Porter, Nia E. Beasley, Nicté Ordóñez-Garza, Laramie L. Lindsey, Duke S. Rogers, Nicole Lewis-Rogers, Jack W. Sites, Jr. and Robert D. Bradley. 2017. A New Species of Big-eared Climbing Rat, Genus Ototylomys (Cricetidae: Tylomyinae), from Chiapas, Mexico. Journal of Mammalogy. 98(5); 1310–1329.  DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx096

ResearchGate.net/publication/319713352_A_new_species_of_big-eared_climbing_rat_genus_Ototylomys_Cricetidae_Tylomyinae_from_Chiapas_Mexico

Una población alopátrica de rata orejuda trepadora (Ototylomys) de las Tierras Altas del Norte de Chiapas, México se describe como una nueva especie. El nuevo taxón es parte de una comunidad única de bosque lluvioso montano que incluye varias especies endémicas en el área de distribución geográfica limitada entre el Río Grijalva y la Depresión Central de Chiapas. Varios caracteres craneales, externos, y moleculares distinguen la nueva rata orejuda trepadora de su congénere más ampliamente distribuido, Ototylomys phyllotis. Se realizaron análisis de componentes principales y de función discriminante de los caracteres craneales, y se encontró que los especímenes de La Pera fueron consistentemente distinguidos de otros Ototylomys con un fuerte soporte estadístico. En comparación con ejemplares de Ototylomys del rango, la nueva especie posee un cariotipo que difiere por 3 pares adicionales de cromosomas biarmados, está fijo o casi fijo por distintos electromorfos en 12 loci alozímicos. Adicionalmente, la media de la distancia genética comparada del gen mitochondrial citocromo b entre la nueva especie de Ototylomys y representantes de O. phyllotis, excede el 14%. La distribución restringida en el bosque lluvioso montano kárstico sugiere que la especie y su hábitat pueden ser de importancia para la conservación.

https://sternberg.fhsu.edu/2017/03/08/paratype-housed-at-sternberg/

New rat species discovered, named at Sternberg https://www.hayspost.com/2017/11/16/new-rat-species-discovered-named-at-sternberg/ via @hayspost

[Mammalogy • 2017] Uromys vika • A New Species of Giant Rat (Muridae, Uromys) from Vangunu, Solomon Islands

Uromys vika Lavery & Judge, 2017

 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx116 

Abstract

We describe the first new rodent species from Solomon Islands in more than 80 years. This new giant rat is known from a single specimen captured in a commercially felled Dillenia salomonensis tree on Vangunu Island. Morphologically, it closely resembles a fascinating secondary radiation of 3 species of Uromys (Cyromys) that are endemic to Guadalcanal Island. The cranium can be readily distinguished from those of other species of Uromys by its shorter maxillary tooth row, and shorter incisive foramina. The existence of this species has been suspected for over 2 decades. It is rare and cryptic, and conservation status is Critically Endangered due to its small distributional range, apparent low population densities, and rapid progress of commercial logging on Vangunu Island. Further surveys to locate additional animals and support for community led conservation initiatives on Vangunu are urgently needed to safeguard the species.

Keywords: arboreal, endangered, endemic, Guadalcanal, logging, Marovo, Melanesia, Pacific, rodent

An artist's illustration of the newly-discovered giant rat, Uromys vika.

Velizar Simeonovski/The Field Museum 

Canarium nuts bearing the characteristic tooth-marks of Uromys vika.

Tyrone H. Lavery and Hikuna Judge. 2017. A New Species of Giant Rat (Muridae, Uromys) from Vangunu, Solomon Islands. Journal of Mammalogy. gyx116.  DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx116

Giant Rat That Fell From Sky Is New Species on.natgeo.com/2xEOCBG via @NatGeo

Solomon Islands expedition seeks to conserve the extraordinary monkey-faced bat and giant rat  theconversation.com/solomon-islands-expedition-seeks-to-conserve-the-extraordinary-monkey-faced-bat-and-giant-rat-57646 @ConversationEDU

 australianmuseum.net.au/blogpost/amri-news/australian-museum-expeditions-giant-rats-and-monkey-faced-bats-of-the-solomon-islands-archipelago

Report ia, hemi wanfala scientific description blo wanfala new species lo giant (bigfala) rat blo Vangunu Aelan, Solomon Aelans. Oketa man callim disfala rat, “vika.” Disfala species hemi garem wanfala specimen nomoa. Wanfala man outim lo kapuchu tree taem oketa daunim ya tree lo logging area. Lukluk blo rat ya hem kolosap lo trifala rat blo Guale, bata hemi garem sumfala important difference lelebet lo body and skull blo hem. Vika hemi garem leki wea hemi wide tumus wetem 7 fala pad undanit, hem no 6 fala osem oketa rat blo Guale. Color blo body blo hem, hemi braun wetem waet lo undanit. Skull blo hem, hemi short wantaem wide. Baek teeti blo hem, oketa short tumus and sumfala hol behaenim oketa front teeti, hemi short tumus too. Disfala vika hemi barava hard tumus fo faendim. Oketa man blo Vangunu save lo hem long taem finis, anda oketa scientist save lo hem ovum 20 ias finis, bata diswan hemi first vika for oketa scientist lukim. Mifala garem tingting hemi kolsap extinct (finis), kaen hem luk olsem vika no save stap lo eni ples wea logging hemi kasim finis. Iumi mus lukaotim gud bus blo Vangunu anda halipim oketa man blo Zaira for kipim gud bus blo oketa.

[Mammalogy / Conservation • 2017] Natural Canopy Bridges Effectively Mitigate Tropical Forest Fragmentation for Arboreal Mammals

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04112-x  

NationalZoo.SI.edu  

Abstract

Linear infrastructure development and resulting habitat fragmentation are expanding in Neotropical forests, and arboreal mammals may be disproportionately impacted by these linear habitat clearings. Maintaining canopy connectivity through preservation of connecting branches (i.e. natural canopy bridges) may help mitigate that impact. Using camera traps, we evaluated crossing rates of a pipeline right-of-way in a control area with no bridges and in a test area where 13 bridges were left by the pipeline construction company. Monitoring all canopy crossing points for a year (7,102 canopy camera nights), we confirmed bridge use by 25 mammal species from 12 families. With bridge use beginning immediately after exposure and increasing over time, use rates were over two orders of magnitude higher than on the ground. We also found a positive relationship between a bridge’s use rate and the number of species that used it, suggesting well-used bridges benefit multiple species. Data suggest bridge use may be related to a combination of bridge branch connectivity, multiple connections, connectivity to adjacent forest, and foliage cover. Given the high use rate and minimal cost, we recommend all linear infrastructure projects in forests with arboreal mammal populations include canopy bridges.

Figure 1: The six species that most frequently used the 13 natural canopy bridges over the pipeline clearing: (a) Aotus nigriceps, (b) Potos flavus, (c) Coendou ichillus, (d) Caluromys lanatus, (e) Bassaricyon alleni, and (f) Hadrosciurus spadiceus. 

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04112-x  NationalZoo.SI.edu 

  

Coendou ichillus,     Tamandua tetradactyla

Pithecia irrorata,       Saguinus fuscicollis

Figure 1: The six species that most frequently used the 13 natural canopy bridges over the pipeline clearing:

(a) Aotus nigriceps, (b) Potos flavus, (c) Coendou ichillus, (d) Caluromys lanatus, (e) Bassaricyon alleni, and (f) Hadrosciurus spadiceus. 

Figure 5: Tremaine Gregory climbing a canopy bridge over a recently cleared natural gas pipeline in the Lower Urubamba Region of Peru.

Tremaine Gregory, Farah Carrasco-Rueda, Alfonso Alonso, Joseph Kolowski and Jessica L. Deichmann. 2017. Natural Canopy Bridges Effectively Mitigate Tropical Forest Fragmentation for Arboreal Mammals. Scientific Reports. 7, Article number: 3892. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04112-x

ResearchGate.net/publication/317837512_Natural_canopy_bridges_effectively_mitigate_tropical_forest_fragmentation_for_arboreal_mammals

Natural Canopy Bridges Maintain Vital Connections for Arboreal Mammals in Fragmented Forests  NationalZoo.SI.edu/news/natural-canopy-bridges-maintain-vital-connections-for-arboreal-mammals-fragmented-forests

[Mammalogy • 2017] Deltamys araucaria • A New Species of Deltamys Thomas, 1917 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) Endemic to the southern Brazilian Araucaria Forest and Notes on the Expanded Phylogeographic Scenario of D. kempi

Deltamys araucaria

Quintela, Bertuol, González, Cordeiro-Estrela, de Freitas & Gonçalves, 2017

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4294.1.3 

Abstract

Deltamys is a monotypic sigmodontine rodent from the Pampas of South America. In addition to the formally recognized D. kempi that inhabits lowlands, an undescribed form Deltamys sp. 2n=40 was recently found in the highlands of southeastern Brazil. In the present study, we perform a phylogeographic reassessment of Deltamys and describe a third form of the genus, endemic to the Brazilian Araucaria Forest. We describe this new species based on an integrative analysis, using complete cytochrome b DNA sequences, karyology and morphology. Bayesian tree recovered two allopatric clades (lowlands vs. highlands) and three lineages: (i) the lowland D. kempi, (ii) the highland Deltamys sp. 2n=40, and (iii) Deltamys araucaria sp. n. Deltamys araucaria sp. n. is karyotypically (2n=34) and morphologically distinguishable from D. kempi (2n=37-38), showing a tawnier dorsum/flank pelage, presence of a protostyle, M1 alveolus positioned anteriorly to the posterior margin of the zygomatic plate, and several other distinguishing characteristics. A phylogeographic assessment of D. kempi recovered two haplogroups with significant differences in skull measurements. This phylogeographic break seems to have been shaped by the Patos Lagoon estuarine channel. The diversification in Deltamys might have been triggered by dispersal of older lineages over different altitudinal ranges in the Paraná geological basin.

Keywords: Mammalia, Akodontini, altitudinal gradient, cytochrome b, dispersal, evolution

Fernando M. Quintela, Fabrício Bertuol, Enrique M. González, Pedro Cordeiro-Estrela, Thales Renato Ochotorena de Freitas and Gislene Lopes Gonçalves. 2017. A New Species of Deltamys Thomas, 1917 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) Endemic to the southern Brazilian Araucaria Forest and Notes on the Expanded Phylogeographic Scenario of D. kempi.

 Zootaxa. 4294(1); 71–92. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4294.1.3

facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1777334719193803

[Mammalogy • 2017] Glaucomys oregonensis • Genetic Data Reveal A Cryptic Species of New World Flying Squirrel

Glaucomys oregonensis  (Bachman, 1839)

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx055  

Photograph by N. Kerhoulas. NationalGeographic.com

Abstract

The genus Glaucomys (New World flying squirrels) is currently considered to be comprised of 2 species, the northern flying squirrel (G. sabrinus) and the southern flying squirrel (G. volans). We synthesize new information from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences and microsatellite data to demonstrate that the genus consists of 3, rather than 2 species, and that Glaucomys sabrinus, as currently recognized, is actually composed of 2 separate, apparently non-hybridizing species. Control region mtDNA data from 185 individuals across North America revealed 2 distinct clades embedded within G. sabrinus: a widespread “Continental” lineage and a more geographically restricted “Pacific Coastal” lineage. The geographic distributions of these 2 lineages are largely mutually exclusive, with sympatry observed at only 3 sites in the Pacific Northwest. Analysis of 8 microsatellite loci showed no evidence of hybridization between the 2 lineages of G. sabrinus in the region of sympatry. This lack of gene flow is noteworthy given that populations of the Continental lineage of G. sabrinus have been shown to hybridize with G. volans in southeastern Canada. Finally, phylogenetic analyses and estimates of divergence times show that G. volans and Continental G. sabrinus are actually sister taxa that diverged from one another more recently than either did from Pacific Coastal G. sabrinus. We propose that these observations provide strong evidence for a third, previously unrecognized species of North American flying squirrel, whose geographic range extends along the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia to southern California. Glaucomys oregonensis (Bachman, 1839), whose type locality is in Oregon, is the senior available name for this taxon. We propose that this newly recognized species be given the common name “Humboldt’s flying squirrel.”

Keywords: cryptic speciation, Glaucomys oregonensis, Glaucomys sabrinus, Glaucomys volans, Humboldt’s flying squirrel, microsatellites, phylogeography, Rodentia, Sciuridae

Brian S. Arbogast, Katelyn I. Schumacher, Nicholas J. Kerhoulas, Allison L. Bidlack, Joseph A. Cook and G. J. Kenagy. 2017. Genetic Data Reveal A Cryptic Species of New World Flying Squirrel: Glaucomys oregonensis.  Journal of Mammalogy. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx055 

Meet This Newly Discovered Flying Squirrel on.natgeo.com/2qxAX9s via @NatGeo

news.NationalGeographic.com/2017/05/flying-squirrel-new-species-north-america/