Cheesman's Vlei Rat

materials_examined

Holotype: BMNH 1937.2.24.84; adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 7400; collected by R. E. Cheesman, 20 October 1937. Type locality: Ethiopia, vicinity of Dangila, 66 km south of Lake Tana, 2100 m a. s. l .. The type material was collected in an intrazonal wetland habitat. However, it is now changed into agricultural landscape (Kostin et al. 2020). Taxonomic notes: The largest Ethiopian Otomys species with robust skull with broad nasal bones, thickened zygomatic arches, and relatively narrow interorbital region (Supporting Information, S 4). The upper third molar has eight or nine complete laminae (see more details in Taylor et al. 2011). Kostin et al. (2020) reported a recent sampling in the region, from where the species was described and hypothesized that it is extinct because of intensive destruction of its original habitat. We recently (2018) sampled large Otomys in wet grasslands in middle elevation (2640 m a. s. l.) close to Kombolcha. They are distinct genetically from the remaining species in the SIMIENSIS group and we hypothesized that they might represent O. cheesmani (we called them here O. cf. cheesmani). Very similar Cytb was identified also in the mater

Genomic diversity, evolutionary history, and species limits of the endemic Ethiopian laminate-toothed rats (genus Otomys, Rodentia: Muridae)

activity

Activity patterns. Cheesman’s Vlei Rat is presumably diurnal or crepuscular.

Muridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Type locality currently agricultural habitat and second specimen collected in low acacia (Acacia, Fabaceae) scrub at elevations of 2100 - 2500 m.

Muridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Muridae