[Mammalogy • 2025] Coendou vossi • A Review of the Quichua Porcupine Coendou quichua complex (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with the Description of A New Species from Colombia

 

Coendou vossi 

Ramírez-Chaves, Mazepa, Morales-Martínez, Suárez-Castro, Colmenares-Pinzón, Pulido-Santacruz & Noguera-Urbano, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae140

x.com/DMMoralesMar

 

Abstract

Coendou quichua is a widely distributed trans-Andean species in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. However, analysis of the cytochrome b (Cytb) gene suggests the presence of cryptic diversity. Recent reviews found that morphological variation within this taxon is mainly associated with elevation. Still, mitochondrial divergence values between some populations are similar to those reported between well-diagnosable sister species in the genus. Here, we provide new Cytb sequences from Colombian and Ecuadorian specimens and morphological observations from specimens collected in different natural regions to show that C. quichua is indeed a species complex. Coendou quichua complex contains 3 separate lineages: (i) the typical C. quichua from the Andes of Ecuador; (ii) a sister lineage from the Chocó-Darién ecoregion; and (iii) an undescribed new species from wet and dry forests of the Magdalena inter-Andean valley and the Caribbean regions of Colombia. Based on morphological, ecological niche modeling, and geographical analyses, the lineage from Chocó-Darién in Colombia and Ecuador is here treated as a different species for which the name C. rothschildi is available. The lineage involving samples from the wet and dry forests of the Magdalena inter-Andean Valley and the Caribbean regions represents an unnamed taxon described herein as Coendou vossi sp. nov., endemic to Colombia.

cytochrome b, endemism, geographic variation, inter-Andean valleys, morphometry, South America

Coendou vossi sp. nov.

Héctor E. Ramírez-Chaves, Glib O. Mazepa, Darwin M. Morales-Martínez, Andrés Felipe Suárez-Castro, Javier E. Colmenares-Pinzón, Paola Pulido-Santacruz and Elkin A. Noguera-Urbano. 2025. A Review of the Quichua Porcupine Coendou quichua complex (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) with the Description of A New Species from Colombia. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae140. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae140

 x.com/DMMoralesMar/status/1876357558664872253

Resumen: Coendou quichua se considera una especie trasandina de amplia distribución que se encuentra en Colombia, Ecuador y Panamá. Sin embargo, análisis del gen citocromo b (Cytb) sugieren la presencia de diversidad críptica. Revisiones recientes encontraron una variación morfológica dentro de este taxón asociada principalmente a la elevación, mientras que los valores de divergencia mitocondrial entre algunas poblaciones son similares a los reportados entre especies hermanas del género. Proporcionamos nuevas secuencias de Cytb de especímenes colombianos y ecuatorianos, así como observaciones morfológicas de especímenes recolectados en diferentes regiones naturales para mostrar que C. quichua es de hecho un complejo de especies. El complejo C. quichua posee tres linajes: (i) el típico C. quichua de los Andes de Ecuador; (ii) un linaje hermano de la ecorregión de Chocó-Darién; y (iii) una nueva especie no descrita de bosques húmedos y secos del valle interandino del Magdalena y la región Caribe de Colombia. Con base en análisis morfológicos, y geográficos, junto a modelos de nicho ecológico, el linaje del Chocó-Darién es tratado como una especie diferente para la cual el nombre C. rothschildi está disponible. De manera similar, el linaje que involucra muestras de los bosques húmedos y secos del Valle interandino del Magdalena y del Caribe representa un taxón sin nombre disponible el cual describimos aquí como Coendou vossi sp. nov., endémico de Colombia.

citocromo b, endemismo, morfometría, valles interandinos, variación geográfica, Sudamérica

[Mammalogy • 2024] Murina yushuensis • A New Species of Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) from Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China

  

Murina yushuensis Han, Csorba & Wu, 

  

in Wang, Han, Csorba, Wu, Chen, Zhao, Dong, Yu et Lu, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae104

Abstract

In 2018, an adult male of a small-sized Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) was captured at an arid cave located on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau in Yushu City, Qinghai Province, China. Despite external morphological similarities with those of M. harpioloides and M. chrysochaetes, the individual in question displays explicit craniodental differences that distinguish it from either species. Morphological and morphometric evidence, coupled with phylogenetic analyses utilizing the mitochondrial COI gene, confirmed that it represents a distinct and still unknown species of Murina, described herewith as M. yushuensis sp. nov. Our research highlights the importance of future surveys aimed at exploring cryptic species diversity in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and adjacent under-surveyed regions.

morphometrics, Murininae, phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

Skull and dentition of Murina yushuensis sp. nov. (Holotype, GZHU 20077).
(A) Lateral view of skull and mandible. (B) Dorsal view of skull. (C) Ventral view of skull with details of the upper toothrow. (D) Occlusal view of mandible with details of the lower toothrow.

 External features and habitat of Murina yushuensis sp. nov. (Holotype, GZHU 20077).
(A) Live individual. (B) Dorsal, and (C) ventral aspect of the body. (D) Surrounding environment of the cave in July, and (E) in March. (F) Type specimen hibernating in the cave.

Photos by Xuesong Han, Yi Wu, and Wenhua Yu.

Xiaoyun Wang, Xuesong Han, Gábor Csorba, Yi Wu, Huaiqing Chen, Xiang Zhao, Zhengyi Dong, Wenhua Yu and Zhi Lu. 2024. A New Species of Tube-nosed Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Murina) from Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae104. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae104

Researchgate.net/publication/385175912_A_new_species_of_Murina_from_Qinghai-Tibet_Plateau_China

本研究于2018年在中国青海玉树1个河流旁的干燥洞穴中捕获1只雄性小型管鼻蝠（翼手目Chiroptera：蝙蝠科Vespertilionidae：管鼻蝠属Murina）。其主要特征为，前臂长31.34 mm，颅全长14.14 mm；耳小而圆，无缺刻；背毛呈现基部黑色，顶端为棕金色；腹毛基部较长，呈深黑色，顶部呈灰白色。基于形态学证据和COI构建的系统发育树，本研究将其鉴定为管鼻蝠属的新物种，命名为玉树管鼻蝠（Murina yushuensis sp. nov. Han, Csorba et Wu, 2024）。该发现不仅丰富了翼手目物种多样性，还说明了在青藏高原及周边区域等特殊生境开展翼手目调查的重要性。 ||   形态度量学, 管鼻蝠亚科, 系统发育关系, 系统学, 分类学

 

[Mammalogy • 2024] Rhinolophus webalai • Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae), with Evidence for 3 Additional Afrotropical Bat Species

  Rhinolophus webalai Patterson, Dick, Bartonjo & Demos,

in Patterson, Demos, Torrent, Grunwald, Montauban, Peterhans, McDonough, ... et Juste, 2024. ,  

Webala’s Horseshoe Bat  ||  DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyae085

Abstract

Roughly a third of all horseshoe bat species (Rhinolophidae: Rhinolophus) are found in Africa, where a recent continent-wide genetic survey suggested the presence of both undescribed and apparently invalid species. Here, we focus on the R. landeri species complex and the recent elevation of R. lobatus Peters, 1852, to species rank. That action created ambiguity in the taxonomy of East African members of the group—are both R. landeri Martin, 1838, and R. lobatus sympatric in East Africa or is another, unnamed species present there? Here, we refine genetic, morphological, and behavioral characterizations of R. landeri and its erstwhile synonyms with samples from the vicinity of their type localities. The distribution of R. landeri appears to be limited to Central and West Africa; existing genetic records attributed to this species from Mali clearly represent another taxon. We marshal genetic evidence for the species-level distinction of R. dobsoni Thomas, 1904, from Sudan, which was previously considered a synonym of R. landeri. We reject R. axillaris J. A. Allen, 1917, as a synonym of the R. landeri complex, provisionally regarding it as a valid member of the landeri species group. Finally, we demonstrate that East Africa is home to a fourth species of the landeri complex that is named herein. Final resolution of the systematics of this species complex awaits expanded characterizations (especially of genetics, vocalizations, and noseleaves) and studies of variation in regions of contact.

 

Afrotropical, Chiroptera, genetics, Rhinolophidae, species complex, systematics, vocalizations

Cranial and mandibular views of the Rhinolophus landeri species complex, all to same scale:
(a) R. dobsoni, FMNH 48714; (b) R. landeri, FMNH 240685; (c) R. lobatus, FMNH 229146; and (d) Rhinolophus webalai sp. nov., FMNH 215894 (holotype).

External characteristics of Rhinolophus webalai sp. nov., showing nose leaf, axillary tufts, and typical grayish-brown pelage condition of FMNH 233830, adult male from Marsabit National Park and Reserve, Kenya.

Rhinolophus webalai Patterson, Dick, Bartonjo, and Demos, new species

Webala’s Horseshoe Bat

Diagnosis: A small member of the R. landeri species complex with spade-shaped sella, acutely triangular connecting process, lancet with strongly concave tip, and the presence of rust-colored axillary tufts in a majority of adult males (Fig. 6). Middle lower premolar tiny, displaced labially and barely reaching the cingula of flanking premolars (Fig. 7). Echolocation call (Supplementary Data SD6) dominated by long constant-frequency signal flanked by brief initial and terminal frequency-modulated elements, the latter with a greater frequency span, making call bandwidth very broad. Peak frequency averages 109.7 kHz, end frequency 80.2 kHz, and bandwidth 30.2 kHz. Unlike other sampled members of the landeri complex, the fundamental (first) harmonic of the call is conspicuous.

Etymology: We are pleased to name the new species after one of Africa’s foremost bat biologists, Dr. Paul Waswa Webala, in recognition of his important contributions as a field biologist, conservation scientist, prolific author, and mentor to Africa’s next generation. We suggest Webala’s horseshoe bat as a common name for this species.

Bruce D Patterson, Terrence C Demos, Laura Torrent, Amanda L Grunwald, Cecilia Montauban, Julian C Kerbis Peterhans, Molly M McDonough, Carl W Dick, Michael Bartonjo, M Corrie Schoeman, Luis A Ruedas, Javier Juste. 2024. Systematics of the Rhinolophus landeri complex, with evidence for 3 additional Afrotropical bat species. Journal of Mammalogy. gyae085. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyae085

 

[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] 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

  facebook.com/mzfcm/posts/858900299374769

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 • 2021] Thomasomys pardignasi • Discovery of the First Amazonian Thomasomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): A New Species from the remote Cordilleras del Cóndor and Kutukú in Ecuador

Thomasomys pardignasi

Brito, Vaca-Puente, Koch & Tinoco, 2021

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa183

 facebook.com/JorgeBritoMolina

Abstract

A new species of the cricetid rodent genus Thomasomys is described from the montane forests of the Cordilleras del Cóndor and Kutukú, southeastern Ecuador, at elevations between 1,770 and 2,215 m. The species has a large body size (head and body length 137–147 mm) in comparison with other species in the genus, and also is distinguished from its congeners by presenting a tail longer than the head–body length, presence of genal vibrissae 1 and 2, wide presphenoid, first and second lower molars with ectolophid, and third lower molar slightly shorter than the second. A molecular phylogeny based on mitochondrial genes resolved the new species a member of the “aureus” group, most closely related to Thomasomys aureus sensu stricto (genetic distance 8.57%) and as well as an additional undescribed species from southeastern Ecuador. This finding increases the diversity of Thomasomys to 46 species, of which 17 species are present in Ecuador. In addition, the species described herein is the first Thomasomys from the Amazonian basin, a genus that up to now was thought to be restricted to Andean ranges.

montane forest, Rodentia, Thomasomyini, Thomasomys aureus

Thomasomys pardignasi sp. nov. (MECN 5852, holotype)
 external appearance of the adult female alive in its natural habitat in the Cordillera de Kutukú, Ecuador 

Family Cricetidae Fischer, 1817

Subfamily Sigmodontinae Wagner, 1843

Tribe Thomasomyini Steadman and Ray, 1982

Genus Thomasomys Coues, 1884

Thomasomys pardignasi sp. nov.

Pardiñas’ Andean Mouse

Ratón andino de Pardiñas (in Spanish)

Diagnosis: A species of Thomasomys that can be recognized by the following combination of characters: head and body length of 137–145 mm; tail longer than the head and body length, measuring 210–226 mm; tail with 12 rows of scales per cm on the axis; genal vibrissae 1 and 2 present; wide presphenoid; upper maxillary row 6.4–6.6 mm; M1 with shallow anteroflexus; M3 with reduced paracone; m1–m2 with ectolophids and without ectostylids; m3 slightly shorter than m2.

Etymology: This species is named in honor of Ulyses F. J. Pardiñas (Argentina, b. 18 May 1969), a prominent paleontologist who has dedicated his academic life to the study of sigmodontine rodents. The epithet of the species is formed from the surname “Pardiñas,” taken as a noun in the genitive case (replacing “ñ” with “gn” as per article 27 of ICZN), with the Latin Suffix “i” (ICZN 31.1.2).

  

 

Jorge Brito, Sarah Vaca-Puente, Claudia Koch and Nicolás Tinoco. 2021. Discovery of the First Amazonian Thomasomys (Rodentia, Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae): A New Species from the remote Cordilleras del Cóndor and Kutukú in Ecuador. Journal of Mammalogy. gyaa183. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa183

 facebook.com/JorgeBritoMolina/posts/10224816746075561

Describimos una nueva especie de roedor cricétido del género Thomasomys proveniente de los bosques montanos de las Cordilleras del Cóndor y Kutukú, sureste de Ecuador, a una altura comprendida entre 1,770–2,215 m. Se trata de una especie de tamaño corporal grande (longitud cabeza-cuerpo 137–147 mm) con respecto a las demás especies del género, que se distingue de sus congéneres por presentar una cola más larga que la longitud cabeza-cuerpo, presencia de vibrisas genales 1 y 2, presfenoide ancho, primer y segundo molar inferiores con ectolófido y tercer molar inferior ligeramente más corto que el segundo. Una filogenia molecular derivada a partir de los genes mitocondriales muestra que la nueva especie forma parte del grupo “aureus,” cercanamente relacionada con Thomasomys aureus sensu stricto (distancia genética de 8.57%) y con otra especie de Thomasomys aún no descrita del sudeste ecuatoriano. Este hallazgo aumenta la riqueza de Thomasomys a 46 especies, de las cuales 17 están presentes en Ecuador. Adicionalmente, la especie descrita aquí es el primer Thomasomys de la cuenca amazónica, un género que hasta ahora había estado restringido a ambientes andinos.

bosque montano, Rodentia, Thomasomyini, Thomasomys aureus

  

[Mammalogy • 2022] Morphological Disparity in the Skull of Amazon River Dolphins of the Genus Inia (Cetacea: Iniidae) is inconsistent with A Single Taxon

in Emin-Lima, Machado, Siciliano, Gravena, ... et Oliveira, 2022.

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac039

  twitter.com/Machado_DSc

photo by Kevin Schafer.

 

Abstracts 

The taxonomy of the South American river dolphins of the genus Inia has been a focus of intense debate. While traditionally it is thought to be composed of a single species with three geographically structured subspecies (Inia geoffrensis geoffrensis, I. g. humboldtiana, and I. g. boliviensis), recent molecular studies have highlighted substantial differentiation, suggesting the existence of two species (I. geoffrensis and I. araguaiaensis). Despite this evidence, the recognition of the specific status of these taxa has been hindered by inconsistent morphological diagnoses. Here, we aim to provide evidence for the morphological differentiation (or lack thereof) between subspecies and putative species. We employ geometrics and traditional morphometrics to measure skull variation to support efforts of integrative taxonomy. Our results show that morphometric diversity within the group is inconsistent with a single taxon. Morphometric evidence supports the traditional differentiation of three distinct morphotypes within the analyzed sample. These morphotypes largely correspond to described subspecies I. g. geoffrensis, I. g. humboldtiana—the latter differing from the former by size—and I. g. boliviensis, which differs from the remaining groups by shape. Furthermore, morphometric data show no differences between I. g. geoffrensis and a newly proposed species, I. araguaiaensis. Given the conservation importance of this genus and the different threats they are subject to, we strongly suggest an urgent integrative taxonomic treatment of the group to better protect these singular cetaceans.

 

 

Renata Emin-Lima, Fabio A Machado, Salvatore Siciliano, Waleska Gravena, Enzo Aliaga-Rossel, José de Sousa e Silva, Junior, Erika Hingst-Zaher and Larissa Rosa de Oliveira. 2022. Morphological Disparity in the Skull of Amazon River Dolphins of the Genus Inia (Cetacea, Iniidae) is inconsistent with A Single Taxon. Journal of Mammalogy. 103(6); 1278–1289. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac039

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A taxonomia dos golfinhos de água doce da América do Sul pertencentes ao gênero Inia têm sido foco de intenso debate. Enquanto tradicionalmente considera-se a existência de uma única espécie e três subespécies (Inia geoffrensis geoffrensis, I. g. humboldtiana, and I. g. boliviensis), estudos moleculares recentes evidenciam diferenciação substancial, sugerindo a existência de mais de uma espécie (I. geoffrensis and I. araguaiaensis). Apesar desta evidência, o reconhecimento do status específico desses táxons tem sido limitado pela presença de diagnoses morfológicas inconsistentes. Nosso objetivo no presente trabalho é proporcionar evidências para a diferenciação morfológica (ou a sua ausência) entre as subespécies e as possíveis espécies. Utilizamos morfometria geométrica e tradicional para medir a variação do cranio de forma a sustentar esforços de taxonomia integrativa. Nossos resultados mostram que a diversidade morfométrica dentro do grupo é inconsistente com um único táxon. A evidência morfométrica aponta a diferenciação tradicional de três morfotipos distintos dentro da amostra analisada. Esses morfotipos correspondem em grande parte às subespecies I. g. geoffrensis, I. g. humboldtiana, que diverge da primeira através do seu tamanho, e I. g. boliviensis, que diverge das demais através de sua forma. Ademais, dados morfométricos não mostram diferenças entre Inia g. geoffrensis e a espécie recém proposta, I. araguaiaensis. Dada a importância para conservação desse gênero e as diferentes ameaças às quais estão sujeitos, nós sugerimos enfaticamente um tratamento de taxonomia integrativa para o grupo, de forma a melhor proteger esses cetáceos singulares.

[Mammalogy • 2023] Pseudoromicia principis • A New Pipistrelle Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) from the oceanic Island of Príncipe (Western Central Africa)

  

 Pseudoromicia principis

Juste, Torrent, Méndez-Rodríguez, Howard, García-Mudarra, Nogueras & Ibáñez, 2023

DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac110

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Abstract

We describe a population of pipistrelle-like bats from Príncipe Island (Gulf of Guinea, Western Central Africa) as a new species based on the molecular and morphological characteristics of six specimens collected more than 30 years ago. The description of this new species was not possible until the traditionally entangled systematics of the whole pipistrelle group was clarified in recent years with the inclusion of molecular techniques and adequate species sampling. In this new taxonomic framework, the new species was clearly included within the dark-winged group of the recently described genus Pseudoromicia. The pipistrelles from Príncipe Island present a moderately inflated skull in lateral view with inner upper incisors that are moderately bicuspids and a baculum distinctly long with expanded tips. Besides these morphological characters, the new bat species is distinguished by its dwarfism, being the smallest species recognized within the genus. The ecology and conservation status of this endemic island species are unknown and field studies are urgently needed to evaluate the situation and conservation threats to this new species in its natural habitat.

Keywords: African bat, Chiroptera, Cytb, mitochondrial DNA, Pseudoromicia, systematics, taxonomy

 Skull and mandible of the holotype of Pseudoromicia principis sp. nov. (EBD 17475M) in dorsal, ventral, lateral, front and back views as well as mandible top view.

 Photographs by Joxerra Aihartza.

 Portrait of  Pseudoromicia principis sp. nov. showing a typical pipistrelle-like appearance.
Pelage is chocolate brown dorsally and ventrally although tips of the ventral pelage present a distinct light creamy tinge. 

Photograph by Jorge Palmeirim.

Pseudoromicia principis, new species 

Príncipe’s Pipistrelle

Diagnosis: A small pipistrelle-like bat (forearm length 30.5–32.3 mm) with a long baculum with unique flattened tip with three circular bulges. Dark brown pelage with uncolored dorsal hair places the species in the genus Pseudoromicia. Dark chocolate brown pigmentation of hairless parts of the body and membranes (including wings) distinguishes this species from all the members of the translucent white-winged group of species of Pseudoromicia. This is the smallest bat so far described within the genus. It has a tiny moderately inflated skull (12.3–12.9 mm) with dimensions that do not overlap those of any other species of Pseudoromicia (Tables 3 and 4).

Etymology: The epithet “principis” is derived from the Latin princeps and refers to Príncipe Island (Gulf of Guinea, Western Central Africa) from where the bat is native and endemic. As a vernacular name we propose “Príncipe’s Pipistrelle.”

Javier Juste, Laura Torrent, Aline Méndez-Rodríguez, Kelli Howard, Juan Luis García-Mudarra, Jesús Nogueras and Carlos Ibáñez. 2023. A New Pipistrelle bat from the oceanic Island of Príncipe (Western Central Africa). Journal of Mammalogy. gyac110. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac110

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[Mammalogy • 2022] Baletemys kampalili • A New Genus and Species of Shrew-like Mouse (Rodentia: Muridae) from A New Center of Endemism in eastern Mindanao, Philippines

Baletemys kampalili 

 Rowsey, Duya, Ibañez, Jansa, Rickart & Heaney, 2022

 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac057

Illustration by Velizar Simeonovski, based on holotype [FMNH 208788].

 

Abstract

The Philippine archipelago hosts an exceptional diversity of murid rodents that have diversified following several independent colonization events. Here, we report the discovery of a new species of rodent from Mt. Kampalili on eastern Mindanao Island. Molecular and craniodental analyses reveal this species as a member of a Philippine “New Endemic” clade consisting of Tarsomys, Limnomys, and Rattus everetti (tribe Rattini). This new species of “shrew-mouse” is easily distinguished from its relatives in both craniodental and external characteristics including a long, narrow snout; small eyes and ears; short, dark, dense fur dorsally and ventrally; stout body with a tapering, visibly haired tail shorter than head and body length; stout forepaws; bulbous and nearly smooth braincase; narrow, tapering rostrum; short incisive foramina; slender mandible; and narrow, slightly opisthodont incisors. This new genus and species of murid rodent illustrates that murids of the tribe Rattini have exhibited greater species and morphological diversification within the Philippines than previously known and provides evidence that Mt. Kampalili represents a previously unrecognized center of mammalian endemism on Mindanao Island that is deserving of conservation action.

Keywords: biogeography, conservation, diversification, endemism, montane forest, mossy forest, Mt. Kampalili, oceanic island, taxonomy

Baletemys kampalili 
based on FMNH 208788, holotype.

 Illustration by Velizar Simeonovski

Dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of
(A) Baletemys kampalili FMNH 208788
compared to (B) Tarsomys apoensis FMNH 148176,
(C) Limnomys sibuanus FMNH 148174, and
(D) Rattus everetti FMNH 206290.

 Approximately life size.

Dorsal, ventral, and lateral views of Baletemys kampalili FMNH 208788.

Approximately times 2.5 magnification.

Baletemys, new genus

Type species: Baletemys kampalili, new species described below.

Diagnosis: Phylogenetically defined as a member of the endemic Philippine Tarsomys clade of Tribe Rattini in family Muridae (Figs. 3 and 4), distinguished by the following combination of traits: Intermediate in size, ca. 70 g in weight and 135 mm head and body length (Table 2); shrew-like in appearance (Fig. 2), with soft, dense fur, small eyes and ears, and a conical head with a narrow snout; pelage dark russet brown dorsally with moderately sparse guard hairs, and dark grayish ochre ventrally; mystacial vibrissae long, up to ca. 50 mm, reaching beyond tip of ear; two pairs of inguinal mammae; tail proportionally short (74% of HBL), ca. 100 mm, unicolor, and densely covered in dark umber (almost black) hairs both dorsally and ventrally that partially obscure the scales on the tail; claws on manus unusually robust and long, with a nail-like claw on the hallux. Skull (Fig. 7) slender and elongate; incisors slightly opisthodont, nongrooved, and narrow (0.84–0.94 mm wide and 2.00–2.08 mm deep); rostrum long, narrow, and tapering; zygomatic plate narrow, about twice the width of zygomatic arches; orbitotemporal opening proportionally small, with zygomatic arches short and slightly thinner than in other comparably sized Philippine murids, ca. 0.60–0.70 mm at narrowest point (Table 3); descending (anterior) portion of zygomatic arch at shallow angle with respect to dorsal surface of skull, and with lowest extent terminating above the palate. Braincase long and narrow anteriorly but widening posteriorly, smooth and ellipsoidal, without prominent temporal ridges, supraoccipital ridge nearly absent; maximum width of braincase nearly as wide as zygomatic arches; carotid artery with stapedial and internal branches, the former feeding laterally into the otic capsule through a stapedial foramen, and the latter entering the auditory bulla through a foramen adjacent to the basioccipital shelf (see Fig. 56D in Musser and Heaney 1992); auditory bullae weakly inflated compared to its relatives; pterygoid fossa shallow, nearly flush with the plate formed by the basisphenoid and basioccipital bones; medial lacerate and postglenoid foramina continuous or nearly so; incisive foramina short and narrow, terminating 0.65–1.25 mm anterior to molar rows; posterior margin of bony palate extending slightly beyond posterior margins of third molars. Labial cusp t3 elongated into lamina that is mostly continuous with t2 (Fig. 8); labial cusp t3 on M2 tiny but present; lingual cusp t7 and posterior cingulum absent from all upper molars; posterior labial cusplet on m1 and m2 absent. Mandible slender, with angular and condyloid processes approximately equal in length (Fig. 7).

Etymology: We combine the Greek “mys” (mouse) with “Balete,” in honor of the late Danilo S. Balete, whose extensive contributions to understanding Philippine biodiversity, with particular respect to its mammals, were instrumental in characterizing the Philippines as an exceptionally rich center of endemic mammalian diversity, as well as providing exemplary leadership in mentoring of young colleagues and in promoting conservation of the fauna.

Baletemys kampalili, new species

Etymology: This species is named for Mt. Kampalili, where all specimens have been obtained. The specific epithet is used as a noun in apposition. 

We suggest “Kampalili shrew-mouse” or “Kampalili baletemys” as the English common name.

Geographic distribution: Known only from two localities, about 6 km apart, on the southern slopes of Mt. Kampalili, but probably widely distributed above 1,450 m on the peaks surrounding Mt. Kampalili (Fig. 1).

 

Dakota M. Rowsey, Mariano Roy M. Duya, Jayson C. Ibañez, Sharon A. Jansa, Eric A. Rickart and Lawrence R. Heaney. 2022. A New Genus and Species of Shrew-like Mouse (Rodentia: Muridae) from A New Center of Endemism in eastern Mindanao, Philippines. Journal of Mammalogy. gyac057. DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac057

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