Emperor Uromys

materials_examined

Type material. HOLOTYPE, BM 88.1. 5.33, adult female skin and skull collected at Aola, northern Guadakanal, Solomon Islands, by C. M. Woodford. Revised diagnosis. Uromys (Cyromys) imperator is the largest of the species of Cyromys. The pads of the feet are reduced in size relative to other Cyromys, and the molars relatively much broader. It is similar externally to u. rex, with its dark grey, somewhat woolly fur (as aptly described by Thomas, 1888), grading to white below, and its very short ears. In comparison with U. rex, however, the head and body is longer, and the tail shorter with smaller scales (9 - 11 per cm versus 7 - 9 per cm). The skull is characterised by a median posterior palatal spine; very square posterior nasals which end comparatively far forward, anterior to a line connecting the posterior ends of the lachrymals; a relatively vertical ascending ramus with a low, rounded coronoid process; and a small dentary ridge and tubercle. Discussion. Uromys imperator is still known with certainty only from the original three specimens collected by Charles Woodford at Aola on Guadalcanal in 1887. Woodford probably purchased the specimens from local hunters, and it is unlikely

A revision of the genus Uromys Peters, 1867 (Muridae: Mammalia) with descriptions of two new species

conservation

Conservation: IUCN – Extinct. May be extinct (see Flannery, 1991; Groves and Flannery, 1994).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

discussion

Discussion: Subgenus Cyromys. Type species of Cyromys; historically assigned to either genus Uromys or Cyromys, but is now regarded as a member of the former (Flannery and Wickler, 1990; Groves and Flannery, 1994). Known only by a few historical and archaeological specimens (Flannery, 1991; Groves and Flannery, 1994). Closest relative is apparently U. rex, also endemic to Guadalcanal Isl. Reviewed by Flannery (1995 b).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

discussion

COMMENTS: Subgenus Cyromys. Historically, this species has been assigned to either Uromys or Cyromys, but is now regarded as a member of the former (Flannery and Wickler, 1990; Groves and Flannery, in litt.). Known only by a few specimens (Flannery, 1991).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae