Blick's Arvicanthis

discussion

Discussion: An Ethiopian endemic with 2 n = 48, FNa = 68 (Corti et al., 1996 b; Lavrenchenko et al., 1997) that is a characteristic diurnal member of the Afro-Alpine moorland zone above 3500 m (Demeter and Topal, 1982; Rupp, 1980; Yalden, 1988; Yalden et al., 1976). In morphology, ecological and geographic distribution, and habits, A. blicki is a very distinctive species, as recognized by Dorst (1972). Judged by similarities in molar occlusal topography and dorsal fur patterning, chromosomal traits, and allozymic data, A. blicki is more closely related to A. abyssinicus than to any other species of Arvicanthis and together with that species and A. niloticus forms a monophyletic clade (see account of A. abyssinicus). Statistical summary of external measurements for a large sample reported by Sillero-Zubiri et al. (1995 a). Habitat preferences, abundance, and biomass of rodents in the Bale Mtns, including A. blicki, and relevance to the endangered Canis simensis recorded by Sillero-Zubiri (1995 c).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

distribution

Distribution: Ethiopia; between 2750 and 4050 m from plateau on E side of Ethiopian Rift Valley (Yalden et al., 1976; Yalden et al., 1996).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

materials_examined

Type Locality: Ethiopia, South Chilalo Mtns, Hora Mt base camp, 9000 ft (2743 m).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

discussion

COMMENTS: An Ethiopian endemic that is a characteristic diurnal member of Afro-Alpine moorland zone above 3500 m (Demeter and Topal, 1982; Rupp, 1980; Yalden, 1988; Yalden et al., 1976). In morphology, ecological and geographic distributions, and habits, A. blicki is a very distinctive species, as recognized by Dorst (1972) that, judged by similarities in molar topography and dorsal fur patterning, is more closely related to A. abyssinicus than to any other species of Arvicanthis.

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae