Neumann's Arvicanthis

discussion

Discussion: 2 n = 62, FN = 66 or 67 for Ethiopia (Baskevich and Lavrenchenko, 2000); 2 n = 53 - 54, FN = 62 for Tanzania (Castiglia et al., 2003 a; Fadda and Corti, 2001), but more precisely 2 n = 53 - 54 due to a Robertsonian fusion and derived from a larger sample (Fadda et al., 2001 b). Under the name somalicus Thomas (1903 a), A. neumanni has been treated as a species (G. M. Allen, 1939; Dollman, 1911; Ellerman, 1941; Hollister, 1919), and with an exception or two (e. g., Misonne, 1974), retains that status (Corti and Fadda, 1996; Ducroz et al., 1998; Fadda and Corti, 2001; Musser and Carleton, 1993; Rousseau, 1983; Yalden et al., 1976). Both reliable published records (see above) and specimens we examined document the northern and central range of A. neumanni. Known southern limits of the species are defined by samples from the Mawele region south of Tabora (Mwanasomano's, 31 mi [50 km] S Tabora) in C Tanzania and southeast of there at Kilosa in EC Tanzania (specimens in MCZ). The species is sympatric with both A. niloticus and A. nairobae (see those accounts). G. M. Allen and Loveridge (1933: 117) recorded three specimens from Mwanza on the southern margin of Lake Victoria in

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

distribution

Distribution: N and E Rift Valleys of Ethiopia (Yalden et al., 1976, 1996), Somalia, extreme SE Sudan (Dieterlen and Nikolaus, 1985), and south through Kenya in and east of the Rift Valley (Dollman, 1911; Hollister, 1919) to C and EC Tanzania on both sides of the Rift, including base of Mt Kilimanjaro (Grimshaw et al., 1995).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

activity

Activity patterns. Neumann's Grass Rats are semi-diurnal and terrestrial.

Muridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Dry Somali-Masai bushlands and savanna with sparse ground cover, from 400 m to 1500 m.

Muridae