Heller's Vle

description

Otomys jacksoni malkensis: Frick 1914 [type locality — Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Sidamo, Malka; holotype — CM 3433]. Otomys typus malkensis: Bohmann 1952.

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

materials_examined

Holotype: CM 3519. Type locality: Ethiopia, Chilalo Divide Camp, 2743 m a. s. l .. Taxonomic notes: Taylor et al. (2011) elevated the rank of this taxon to a separate species distributed in Bale and Arsi Mts., and possibly farther south (as O. jacksoni malkensis). We analysed genomically for the first time the populations from central Ethiopia, west of GRV (Guwasa, Debre Sina, Ankober, and Borena Saynt NP) and found them to form a monophyletic group, a sister to O. helleri from Bale and Arsi Mts. Even if they are slightly different in skull morphology (Fig. 8 B), we suggest they are conspecific. Awaiting genetic analysis of the type of O. degeni from Gombitchu (Shoa), we propose to use the name O. helleri for all of them. The distinctiveness of O. helleri and O. degeni is supported by the morphology of skulls, i. e. the laưer might represent another species (Taylor et al. 2011: fig. 5; see also above). Ecological notes: This species prefer patches dominated by Alchemilla in both ericaceous and Afro-alpine habitats (Kostin et al. 2019). Distribution: Otomys helleri was described from the Arsi Mts (2743 m a. s. l.) and was considered endemic to Afro-alpine habitats of the Bale and Ar

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

activity

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

Muridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Muridae