[Mammalogy • 2026] Oreoryzomys jumandi, O. balneator, O. hesperus, ... • Mountains of Diversity: A Systematic Revision of the Andean Rodent Genus Oreoryzomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae)

 

(A-E) Oreoryzomys balneator (Thomas, 1900);
(F-J) O. hesperus (Anthony, 1924);
 (K-O) Oreoryzomys jumandi Brito, Vargas, García, Tinoco & Pardiñas, 

in Brito​, Vargas, Tinoco, García, Carrión-Olmedo, Koch, Wistuba, Nivelo-Villavicencio et Pardiñas. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20515

Abstract

The until recently monotypic cricetid genus Oreoryzomys inhabits piedmont and cloud forests, primarily in eastern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Erected following the taxonomic revision of a polytypic Oryzomys complex two decades ago, Oreoryzomys has remained poorly understood, with most references limited to the original descriptions of its type species (O. balneator) and a subspecies (O. b. hesperus). Here, we present an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus, based on new field collections and comprehensive museum-based analyses. Phylogenetic reconstructions from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, combined with morphometric and qualitative morphological data, support the recognition of three species: (1) a redescribed O. balneator from central-eastern Ecuador; (2) O. hesperus, elevated to full species rank based on topotypic material; and (3) a new species from populations of the Quijos River Valley, northeastern Ecuador. This revision triples the known species diversity of Oreoryzomys and highlights the genus as a notable radiation of small-bodied oryzomyines adapted to Andean environments. Our findings emphasize the need for systematic revisions of other poorly known Andean rodents to better reveal the hidden diversity of cricetids and the role of the Andes in shaping Neotropical biodiversity.

Keywords: Andes, Ecuador, New species, Oreoryzomys balneator, Oreoryzomys hesperus, Oryzomyini, Peru

 

External appearance of the three Oreoryzomys species (left panels) and details of their feet and hands (right panels).
Top row: (A) live lateral view (O. balneator, MECN 5815); (B–C) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (D–E) palmar and dorsal views of hand (MECN 6140).
Middle row: (F) live lateral view (O. a. hesperus, MECN 4789); (G–H) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (I–J) palmar and dorsal views of hand.
Bottom row: (K) live lateral view (Oreoryzomys jumandi sp. nov., MECN 8278, holotype); (L–M) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (N–O) palmar and dorsal views of hand.

Scale = 10 mm. Photographs (A–J, L–O) by J Brito; (K) by R Wistuba.

Oreoryzomys jumandi new species. Brito, Vargas, García, Tinoco & Pardiñas

 

Jumandi Mountain Mouse, 

Ratón montano de Jumandi (in Spanish)

 

Diagnosis: A species of Oreoryzomys distinguished by the following combination of characters: incisive foramina short, not reaching the anterior margin of M1 (Fig. 6F); frontoparietal (coronal) suture distinctly V-shaped (Fig. 6E); stapedial process of the auditory bulla elongate and pointed, projecting beyond the posterior margin of the alisphenoid (Fig. 9F); median lacerate foramen broad and positioned at a distance from the bulla; M3 with the hypoflexus shallow, forming a lake-like structure; and m2 with a long mesolophid fused to the mesostyle (Fig. 11C).

 

Etymology: Named in honor of Jumandi, a Quijo warrior who led the first indigenous uprising against Spanish conquistadors in the Americas on 29 November 1578 (Santos-Granero, 1992). In recognition of his historical significance, Jumandi was officially declared a National Hero by the Asamblea Nacional del Ecuador in November 2011.

Jorge Brito​, Rocío Vargas, Nicolás Tinoco, Rubí García, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo, Claudia Koch, Ricarda Wistuba, Carlos Nivelo-Villavicencio and Ulyses F.J. Pardiñas. 2026. Mountains of Diversity: A Systematic Revision of the Andean Rodent Genus Oreoryzomys (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae). PeerJ. 14:e20515. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20515 [January 9, 2026]

 

[Mammalogy • 2025] Oreoryzomys huancabambensis • Introduction to the Systematics of Oreoryzomys balneator (Rodentia: Cricetidae) with the Description of A New Species from Peruvian montane forests

[B, D] Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. Llancachahua-Tarqui, Ruelas, Escobar & Pacheco,  
[A, E] Oreoryzomys balneator  (Thomas, 1900)

in Llancachahua-Tarqui, Ruelas, Escobar et Pacheco Torres, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v32i4.31354 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398062542

Abstract

Oreoryzomys is a monotypic genus represented solely by Oreoryzomys balneator and has long been considered enigmatic due to the scarce information available since its description more than a century ago. In this study, we present a systematic revision of O. balneator with an integrative approach, focusing on Peruvian populations. We analyzed 73 specimens using morphological methods, complemented with phylogenetic analyses based on two mitochondrial genes. Our results reveal that the Peruvian populations previously referred as O. balneator represent a new and unnamed species. This species is genetically and morphologically differentiated, and geographically isolated from O. balneator sensu stricto (from Tungurahua Province, the type locality) and from the western Ecuadorian populations of El Oro Province. We formally describe this new species which inhabits montane forests from southeastern Ecuador (Zamora Chinchipe Province) to northeastern Peru (Piura and Cajamarca departments), at elevations between 1520 to 2990 m a.s.l. This work represents the first systematic revision of this genus, providing novel insights into its phylogenetic relationships, distribution, and natural history.

Keywords: Andes, Huancabamba Depression, Oryzomyini, Piura Department, Yungas

External comparisons between Oreoryzomys balneator (AMNH 67569, A, C, E)
and Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. (MUSM 10701, B, D, F).

Live specimen of Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. (MUSM 55512, holotype) from Habaspite, Carmen de la Frontera, Piura Department. Note the presence of three commensal staphylinid beetles on the head of the specimen.

Photograph taken by Víctor Pacheco.

Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov.

 A) Panoramic view of the type locality of  Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. in Habaspite, Carmen de la Frontera Province, Piura Department, in 2021.
B) Typical habitats within forest patches, and C) low-scale mining activities in the type locality.

Photographs taken by Víctor Pacheco.

 

Daniel Llancachahua-Tarqui, Dennisse Ruelas, Elizabeth Escobar and Víctor Raúl Pacheco Torres. 2025. Introduction to the Systematics of Oreoryzomys balneator (Rodentia; Cricetidae) with the Description of A New Species from Peruvian montane forests. Revista peruana de biología. 32(4): e31354. DOI: doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v32i4.31354 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398062542_Introduction_to_the_Systematics_of_Oreoryzomys_balneator_with_the_description_of_a_new_species_from_Peruvian_montane_forests

[Mammalogy • 2025] Daptomys nunashae • Hidden Diversity in Daptomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae): A New Species from lower montane forests of central Peru

 

Daptomys nunashae

Pacheco, Sánchez-Vendizú, Fajardo, Cossíos & Cadenillas, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.4.1 

Abstract

Daptomys Anthony, 1929, comprises at least five species, distributed in lower and premontane Neotropical forests from Venezuela to Bolivia, but its real diversity is likely underestimated. During recent expeditions to Tingo María National Park, Huánuco Department, in central Peru, we collected two specimens of Daptomys in premontane forest, that represent a new lineage. Here, we present an integrative approach combining coalescent phylogenetic analyses (based on cytochrome b and three nuclear gene sequences), along with morphological and morphometric data, to support the recognition of the Huánuco specimens as a new species of Daptomys, which we describe in this paper. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by a unicolored tail ending in a distinct pencil of white hairs, a very small toothrow, anteriorly expanded nasals, a very short incisive foramina, a long palate with a prominent median process, and a large postglenoid foramen. In addition, the species delimitation methods recovered D. musseri as a valid species which is supported also by morphological and morphometric differentiation and distribution pattern.

Mammalia, Daptomys, Tingo María National Park, Peru

Daptomys nunashae

 

Víctor PACHECO, Pamela SÁNCHEZ-VENDIZÚ, Úrsula FAJARDO, Daniel COSSÍOS and Richard CADENILLAS. 2025. Hidden Diversity in Daptomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae): A New Species from lower montane forests of central Peru.  Zootaxa. 5696(4); 451-481. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5696.4.1 [2025-09-26]

[Mammalogy • 2025] Marmosa chachapoya • A New Species of Marmosa (Marsupialia: Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) from Parque Nacional del Río Abiseo, Peru

 

Marmosa chachapoya

Pavan, Abreu, Sánchez-Vendizú, & Voss, 2025

https://hdl.handle.net/2246/7511 

  Researchgate.net/publication/392826622 

 digitallibrary.AMNH.org

Abstract

We describe a new species in the didelphid marsupial genus Marmosa based on a single specimen collected at 2664 m on the eastern side of the Andes in San Martín department, Peru. The new species is closely related to Marmosa lepida (Thomas, 1888) and M. andersoni Pine,1972, in the subgenus Stegomarmosa, but differs from these and other congeneric taxa by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences and by unique external and cranial characters. Diagnostic morphological traits of the new species include gray-based buffy-reddish ventral fur without a midventral zone of self-whitish fur; a remarkably narrow and long rostrum with a very long premaxillary process; absence of postorbital processes; and presence of diastemata among the canines, first premolars, and second premolars in both upper and lower dentitions. Marmosa chachapoya, sp. nov., is one of several recently discovered new species from the Parque Nacional del Río Abiseo, a protected area with remarkably high mammalian diversity.

 

Keywords: Marmosa chachapoya, Marmosa, Peru, Classification, Opossums

  Dorsal, lateral, and ventral views of the holotype skin of Marmosa chachapoya (MUSM 48770).

Holotype of Marmosa chachapoya (MUSM 48770) illustrating morphological features of the new species, including long and narrow rostrum, reddish brown dorsal fur, tail much longer than combined length of head and body, midrostral fur lighter colored than fur of crown, and dark facial mask not extending posteriorly to contact base of ear. Both photos by Pedro Peloso.

Marmosa chachapoya, sp. nov.
 

Pavan, Silvia E.; Abreu, Edson F.; Sánchez-Vendizú, Pamela Y. and Voss, Robert S. 2025. A New Species of Marmosa (Mammalia, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Parque Nacional del Río Abiseo, Peru. American Museum novitates. no. 4037. https://hdl.handle.net/2246/7511 [2025-06-19] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/392826622_A_New_Species_of_Marmosa_from_Parque_Nacional_del_Rio_Abiseo_Peru

  digitallibrary.AMNH.org/collections/cc9989ac-8437-42b9-80a0-83905bf8ab79

[Mammalogy • 2024] Almost Two hundred Years of Monotypy and A poorly known Life History: Multiple Lineages of Furipterus (Chiroptera: Furipteridae) were Hidden by Rocks

 

Thumbless bat Furipterus horrens (Cuvier, 1828)

in Moras, Nobre, Vasconcelos, Garbino, de Souza, ... et Tavares, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s42991-024-00465-9 

 x.com/ValeriaCTavares

Abstract

The Thumbless bat Furipterus horrens (Cuvier, 1828) (Chiroptera: Furipteridae) is a tiny insectivorous bat species that has not undergone comprehensive systematic revisions, as taxonomic studies about this species are only represented by the middle XIX century description of F. caerulescens Tomes, 1856. Concurrently there also has been no assessment on the genetic diversity within the species along its distribution. We analyzed patterns of mitochondrial genetic variation of F. horrens under the prediction that structured populations could be associated with the naturally patchy distribution of these bats’ roosts. Our data revealed highly divergent lineages, with low haplotype sharing and indicating well-structured populations. For the phylogeny we recovered well-supported clades, and the outcome of species limits tests suggests the split of F. horrens into a complex of four to six putative species. Lineages recovered were mostly allopatric along South America, except for two sympatric populations from the low-medium Xingu River. Based on the outstandingly high genetic discontinuities found for Furipterus, we hypothesize that historical metapopulational arrangements composed of spatially structured populations with different degrees of isolation resulted in limited gene flow for at least part of the lineages found. The observed results may reflect a female-inherited variation at least partially related to yet unknown biological traits of Furipterus such as social structure, female philopatry or other biological characteristics. Whether part of these lineages represent separate full species needs further examination based on independent datasets (morphology and nuclear data) but it is now clear that Furipterus horrens is composed of distinct populations likely containing more than one species, a diversity that has remained virtually overlooked for over two centuries.

Keywords: Thumbless bat, Rocky outcrop, Genetic variation, Species delimitation, Cave bats, Tree roost

 

Ligiane M. Moras, Carla C. Nobre, Santelmo Vasconcelos, Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Érica M. S. de Souza, Fabrício R. Santos, Guilherme Oliveira and Valéria da C. Tavares. 2024. Almost Two hundred Years of Monotypy and A poorly known Life History: Multiple Lineages of Furipterus (Chiroptera: Furipteridae) were Hidden by Rocks. Mammalian Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s42991-024-00465-9

  x.com/ValeriaCTavares/status/1874124314611769852

  

[Mammalogy • 2024] Molossus paranaensis • Revisiting Molossus (Chiroptera: Molossidae) Diversity: Exploring Southern Limits and Revealing A Novel Species in Argentina

 

    Molossus paranaensis Caraballo, Pavé, Argoitia, Schierloh & Chambi Velasquez, 

in Chambi Velasquez, Pavé, Argoitia, Schierloh, Piccirilli, Colombo, Beltrán, Cisterna et Caraballo, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e122822

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.

Keywords: Mastiff bats, molecular phylogeny, morphology, morphometry, pseudo-cryptic species, South America

The skull of the holotype of Molossus paranaensis (MF-ZV-M 1494). 
Lateral view of skull and mandible (A), and frontal (B), ventral (C) and dorsal (E) views.
Scale bar = 10 mm.

Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the skin of the holotype of  Molossus paranaensis (MFA-ZV-M 1494), adult male.

Scale bar = 10 mm. 

Family Molossidae Gervais, 1856

Genus Molossus É. Geoffroy, 1805

 Molossus paranaensis Caraballo, Pavé, Argoitia, Schierloh & Chambi Velasquez, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Molossus paranaensis is distinguished from all other Molossus species by the following combination of characters: medium size (FA 39.4–42.8 mm; GLS w.i 17.3–19.2 mm; PC 3.8–4.6 mm; LMxT 6.3–7.4 mm); dorsal coloration medium brown (cinnamon to grayish brown sensu Ridgway 1912) with individual hairs bicolored, with a large and pale basal band reaching 1/4 to 1/2 to of total length of the hair, the venter is paler than dorsum (Fig. 4); in frontal view the rostrum is triangular (Fig. 5B), and the lambdoidal crests are moderately developed (Fig. 5).

Etymology: The name paranaensis is bestowed in reference to the extended distribution of the new species along the Paraná River basin, one of the largest rivers in South America. Paraná is a word from the Mbyá people who speak Tupí (one of the native languages in Argentina), pará = “sea” and nã = “similar to” or “like”, which means “that looks like the sea” or “similar to the sea”. This river shelters a great biodiversity and natural beauty.

 Micaela A. Chambi Velasquez, Romina Pavé, María A. Argoitia, Pablo Schierloh, María G. Piccirilli, Valeria C. Colombo, Fernando J. Beltrán, Daniel M. Cisterna and Diego A. Caraballo. 2024. Revisiting Molossus (Mammalia: Chiroptera: Molossidae) Diversity: Exploring Southern Limits and Revealing A Novel Species in Argentina. Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 397-416. DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e122822

[Mammalogy • 2024] Pudella carlae • The First living cervid Species described in the 21st Century and Revalidation of Pudella (Artiodactyla: Cervidae)

[2] Pudella carlae n. sp. 

[1] Pudella mephistophila &

 [3] Pudu pudu 

 Barrio, Gutiérrez & D’Elía, 2024 

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae012

 twitter.com/GuillermoDElia

 Drawing by Omar Custodio   facebook.com/OmarCustodio1

 Abstract

Several issues regarding the systematics and taxonomy of the Neotropical deer tribe Odocoileini, an assemblage of 18 recognized living species currently allocated into 7 genera, remain unclear. The few available phylogenetic analyses indicate that some genera are not monophyletic and that species richness in the group is underestimated. One genus that presents both problems are the stocky and short-legged dwarf deer, Pudu. As currently understood, it includes 2 species, the Northern pudu, Pudu mephistophiles from Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia; and the Southern pudu, P. puda, from southern Chile and nearby Argentina. Here, by means of qualitative and quantitative morphologic analysis and the assessment of genetic variation, we showed that 2 distinct species are encompassed by the current concept of P. mephistophiles. The typical form distributes north of the Huancabamba Depression from northernmost Peru to the north (Ecuador and Colombia), while the other distributes south of the Huancabamba Depression and is a Peruvian endemic. As no name is available for the last one, we describe and name it here. This is the first living cervid species described in the 21st century and the first from the New World in over 60 years. Additionally, as the Southern Pudu (the type species of Pudu) is not sister to the 2 northern pudu species, we revalidate the genus Pudella to allocate the latter 2 species.

Pudella mephistophila, Pudella carlae n. sp. & Pudu pudu  

Drawing by Omar Custodio  

Pudella mephistophila [Pudu mephistophile]

Pudella carlae 

Pudu pudu 

Javier Barrio, Eliécer E Gutiérrez and Guillermo D’Elía. 2024. The First living cervid Species described in the 21st Century and Revalidation of Pudella (Artiodactyla). Journal of Mammalogy. gyae012. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae012

 twitter.com/GuillermoDElia/status/1763933248671924620

 facebook.com/OmarCustodio1/posts/10232237727316283

  

Resumen: Distintos aspectos de la sistemática y taxonomía de la tribu de ciervos neotropicales Odocoileini, que incluye un conjunto de 18 especies vivas reconocidas actualmente que se engloban en siete géneros, siguen sin estar resueltos. Los pocos análisis filogenéticos disponibles indican que algunos géneros no son monofiléticos y que la riqueza del grupo esta subestimada. Uno de los géneros que presenta ambos problemas es el género de ciervos pequeños y patas cortas Pudu. Con base en la clasificación actual, éste incluye dos especies, Pudu mephistophiles distribuido en Perú, Ecuador y Colombia y P. puda distribuido en el sur de Chile y áreas cercanas de Argentina. Este estudio mediante análisis morfológicos cualitativo y cuantitativo y la evaluación de la variación genética, muestra que el concepto actual de P. mephistophiles engloba a dos especies distintas. La forma típica se distribuye al norte de la Depresión de Huancabamba desde el extremo norte de Perú hacia el norte (Ecuador y Colombia), mientras que la segunda se distribuye al sur de la Depresión de Huancabamba y es endémica de Perú. Como no hay nombre disponible para esta última, aquí la nominamos y describimos formalmente. Esta es la primera especie viviente de cérvido descrita en el siglo XXI y la primera del Nuevo Mundo en más de 60 años. Además, como el pudú del sur (la especie tipo de Pudu) no es hermano de las dos especies de pudú del norte, revalidamos el género Pudella para colocar a las dos últimas especies.

[Mammalogy • 2024] Ctenomys uco • A New living Species of the Genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) from central-western Argentina

 Ctenomys uco  

Alvarado-Larios, Teta, Cuello, Jayat, Tarquino-Carbonell, D’Elía, Cornejo & Ojeda, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e115242

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.

Keywords: Caviomorpha, Ctenomys fochi, Mendoza, Monte, Octodontoidea, Southern Andean steppe, tuco-tucos

Cranial anatomy of Ctenomys uco sp. nov.
Lateral (above), dorsal (below, left), and ventral (below, right) views of the skull and labial view of the mandible (middle) of the holotype (CMI 7712). Scale = 5 mm.

External appearance of  Ctenomys uco sp. nov. A CMI 7712 (holotype), from Cajón de Arenales, Tunuyán, Mendoza, Argentina; B CMI 7737, from Finca Caicayén II, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina.

Ctenomys uco sp. nov.

Morphological diagnosis: A small-sized tuco-tuco of the C. mendocinus species group (TOTL, 215–263 mm; TAIL, 64–79 mm; HFL, 31–36 mm: EAR, 6–8 mm; Weight, 109–138 g); dorsum Drab to Dusky Drab, which turns lighter on flanks; venter Light Brownish Drab to Light Drab, with line separating from dorsum scarcely defined; a patch above nose and forehead, blackish. Skull moderately robust, with rostrum and nasals proportionally long and narrow; premaxillary-frontal suture evident anterior to the naso-frontal suture; interorbital region with posteriorly divergent outer margins. Zygomatic arches thin, slightly divergent backwards in dorsal view; dorsal profile of cranium with a marked ventral inflection in the parietal-occipital region; incisive foramina short and narrow, recessed in a common fossa of posteriorly divergent outer borders; interpremaxillary foramen small or nearly absent; sphenopalatine vacuities nearly tear-shaped; auditory bullae moderately inflated and nearly oval, with salient auditory tubes.

Etymology: We named this species in reference to the region where the type locality lays, the Valle de Uco (Uco Valley), which includes the Tupungato, Tunuyán, and San Carlos Departments in Mendoza Province, central western Argentina; this valley is well known for its fine wines.

 Raquel Alvarado-Larios, Pablo Teta, Pablo Cuello, J. Pablo Jayat, Andrea P. Tarquino-Carbonell, Guillermo D’Elía, Paula Cornejo and Agustina A. Ojeda. 2024. A New living Species of the Genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) from central-western Argentina. Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 193-207. DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e115242

[Mammalogy • 2024] Vampyressa villai • A New Mexican endemic Species of Yellow-eared Bat in the Genus Vampyressa (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae: Stenodermatinae)

  

Vampyressa villai 

Garbino, Hernández-Canchola, León-Paniagua & Tavares, 2024

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae001 

 twitter.com/GGarbino

 facebook.com/mzfcm

Abstract

Bats from the genus Vampyressa Thomas, 1900 are known from a relatively small number of individuals in Mexico. Through recent collecting efforts in southwestern Mexico, we detected several previously unknown populations of Vampyressa, which appeared to represent a lineage independent from but closely related to V. thyone. Here, we describe this lineage as a new species of the genus Vampyressa from the Mexican states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. The new species is currently known from at least 8 collected specimens and 3 released individuals from 8 localities, and can be differentiated from V. pusilla and V. thyone based on pelage and skull characters, size, mitochondrial Cytochrome b, and nuclear Recombination-activating gene 2 sequence data. The new species has been captured mainly in the lowlands but occurs along a wide altitudinal range from 150 to 2,200 m above sea level. Most of the records of the new species are from west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which evidences a new case of a phylogenetic break at this biogeographic barrier. The genus Vampyressa now includes 6 species, and Mexico expands its position as the country with the largest number of endemic bats in the Neotropics, totaling 20 endemics.

Chiroptera, Cytochrome b, Isthmus of Tehuantepec, systematics, taxonomy, Vampyressina, Vampyressa thyone

 Portraits of Vampyressa villai (left, MZFC-M 16012), V. thyone (middle, ROM F63103), and V. pusilla (right, MZUFV 5063).
Note the well-marked whitish hairs on the upper lip and on the chin in V. villai.

Vampyressa villai

Guilherme S. T. Garbino, Giovani Hernández-Canchola, Livia León-Paniagua and Valéria da C. Tavares. 2024. A New Mexican endemic Species of Yellow-eared Bat in the Genus Vampyressa (Phyllostomidae, Stenodermatinae). Journal of Mammalogy. gyae001. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae001

 Researchgate.net/publication/378655364_A_new_Mexican_endemic_species_of_the_genus_Vampyressa

  twitter.com/GGarbino/status/1763649446888525921

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Resumen: Los murciélagos Vampyressa Thomas, 1900 son conocidos por un número relativamente pequeño de individuos en México. Por medio de recientes esfuerzos de colecta en el suroeste de México detectamos varias poblaciones de Vampyressa previamente desconocidas que parecían representar un linaje independiente pero estrechamente relacionado a V. thyone. En este trabajo, describimos dicho linaje como una nueva especie del género Vampyressa para los estados mexicanos de Guerrero y Oaxaca. Actualmente esta nueva especie es conocida por al menos 8 ejemplares colectados y 3 individuos liberados de 8 localidades, y se puede diferenciar de V. pusilla y V. thyone por los caracteres del pelaje y del cráneo, por el tamaño y por las secuencias del gen mitocondrial citocromo b y del gen nuclear activador de la recombinación 2. La nueva especie ha sido capturada principalmente en tierras bajas, pero se distribuye a lo largo de un amplio rango altitudinal, de 150 a 2,200 metros sobre el nivel del mar. La mayoría de los registros de la nueva especie se encuentran al oeste del Istmo de Tehuantepec, lo que evidencia un nuevo caso de ruptura filogenética en esta barrera biogeográfica. El género Vampyressa ahora incluye 6 especies y México amplía así su posición como el país con la mayor cantidad de murciélagos endémicos del neotrópico, totalizando 20 especies endémicas.

Chiroptera, citocromo b, Istmo de Tehuantepec, Sistemática, Taxonomía, Vampyressina, Vampyressa thyone

[Mammalogy • 2024] Ecological Modeling, Biogeography, and Phenotypic Analyses setting the Tiger Cats’ Hyperdimensional Niches reveal A New Species, Leopardus pardinoides

Classic examples of the tiger cat species complex:
 (a) the savanna tiger-cat (Leopardus tigrinus);
(b) the new species, the clouded tiger-cat (Leopardus pardinoides); and
(c) the Atlantic Forest tiger-cat (Leopardus guttulus).

in de Oliveira, Fox-Rosales, Ramírez-Fernández, Cepeda-Duque, Zug, ... et Rodrigues, 2024.   

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52379-8

Drawings by Ricardo Ribeiro; 

photographs: (a & c) authors, (b) Johannes Pfleiderer.

Abstract

Recently, the tiger-cat species complex was split into Leopardus tigrinus and Leopardus guttulus, along with other proposed schemes. We performed a detailed analysis integrating ecological modeling, biogeography, and phenotype of the four originally recognized subspecies—tigrinus, oncilla, pardinoides, guttulus—and presented a new multidimensional niche depiction of the species. Species distribution models used > 1400 records from museums and photographs, all checked for species accuracy. Morphological data were obtained from institutional/personal archives. Spotting patterns were established by integrating museum and photographic/camera-trap records. Principal component analysis showed three clearly distinct groups, with the Central American specimens (oncilla) clustering entirely within those of the Andes, namely the pardinoides group of the cloud forests of the southern Central-American and Andean mountain chains (clouded tiger-cat); the tigrinus group of the savannas of the Guiana Shield and central/northeastern Brazil (savanna tiger-cat); and the guttulus group in the lowland forests of the Atlantic Forest domain (Atlantic Forest tiger-cat). This scheme is supported by recent genetic analyses. All species displayed different spotting patterns, with some significant differences in body measurements/proportions. The new distribution presented alarming reductions from the historic range of − 50.4% to − 68.2%. This multidimensional approach revealed a new species of the elusive and threatened tiger-cat complex.

Classic examples of the tiger cat species complex: (a) the savanna tiger-cat (Leopardus tigrinus); (b) the new species, the clouded tiger-cat (Leopardus pardinoides); and (c) the Atlantic Forest tiger-cat (Leopardus guttulus).

Drawings by Ricardo Ribeiro; photographs: (a) authors, (b) Johannes Pfleiderer, (c) authors.

Leopardus pardinoides (Gray, 1867)

Tadeu G. de Oliveira, Lester A. Fox-Rosales, José D. Ramírez-Fernández, Juan C. Cepeda-Duque, Rebecca Zug, Catalina Sanchez-Lalinde, Marcelo J. R. Oliveira, Paulo H. D. Marinho, Alejandra Bonilla-Sánchez, Mara C. Marques, Katia Cassaro, Ricardo Moreno, Damián Rumiz, Felipe B. Peters, Josué Ortega, Gitana Cavalcanti, Michael S. Mooring, Steven R. Blankenship, Esteban Brenes-Mora, Douglas Dias, Fábio D. Mazim, Eduardo Eizirik, Jaime L. Diehl, Rosane V. Marques, …Flávio H. G. Rodrigues. 2024. Ecological Modeling, Biogeography, and Phenotypic Analyses setting the Tiger Cats’ Hyperdimensional Niches reveal A New Species. Scientific Reports. 14: 2395. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52379-8

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[Mammalogy • 2023] Ctenomys pulcer • A New Species of the highly polytypic South American Rodent Ctenomys (Ctenomyidae) increases the Diversity of the magellanicus clade

Ctenomys pulcer 

Verzi, De Santi, Olivares, Morgan, Basso & Brook, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e96656

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.

Keywords: Ctenomyidae, early Holocene-Recent, Pampean region, phylogeny, systematics

Superfamily Octodontoidea Waterhouse, 1839

Family Ctenomyidae Lesson, 1842

Genus Ctenomys Blainville, 1826

Ctenomys pulcer sp. nov.

Etymology: From Latin pulcer, in Spanish hermoso (beautiful) in reference to the type locality Monte Hermoso.

 

Diego H. Verzi, Nahuel A. De Santi, A. Itatí Olivares, Cecilia C. Morgan, Néstor G. Basso and Federico Brook. 2023. A New Species of the highly polytypic South American Rodent Ctenomys increases the Diversity of the magellanicus clade. Vertebrate Zoology. 73: 289-312. DOI: 10.3897/vz.73.e96656

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