Albertine Rift Grammomys

discussion

Comments: Thomas (1907) noted the diagnostic mammary count in G. dryas (no axial pair of teats and only two pairs of inguinal teats), which, in combination with cranial traits, set it apart from other described forms (Musser and Carleton 2005), except G. cometes with the same number of teats (see above). Unfortunately, we were not able to include any representatives of this species in our morphological analysis of skulls. Kerbis Peterhans et al. (1998) reviewed its elevational distribution in the context of the entire Ruwenzori small mammal fauna. We recently collected it close to the type locality in the Rwenzori Mountains (Nyakelengija gate, 1720 m a. s. l.; Supporting Information, File S 1). It is a well-characterized taxon genetically for both mtDNA (having three sublineages with parapatric distribution; Fig. 7 C) and ddRAD data (wherein a single MOTU was identified by both branch-cutting and INFOMAP approaches; Figs 3, 7).

Integrative taxonomic revision of the African thicket rats (Murinae: Grammomys): how genomics decreases the number of currently recognized species

distribution

Distribution: A montane species endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains, i. e. Ruwenzoris and Kivu region in Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi (Musser and Carleton 2005). We confirmed it from additional localities in the Albertine Rift, but also from the Minziro Forest (1160 m a. s. l.) in north-western Tanzania and from the Mahale National Park in western Tanzania, where a distinct mtDNA sublineage, m 10, was recorded (Fig. 7).

Integrative taxonomic revision of the African thicket rats (Murinae: Grammomys): how genomics decreases the number of currently recognized species

materials_examined

Type locality: ‘ Kenya Colony’ (Uganda), Ruwenzori East, 6000 – 7000 ft (1830 –– 2130 m).

Integrative taxonomic revision of the African thicket rats (Murinae: Grammomys): how genomics decreases the number of currently recognized species

discussion

Discussion: Originally described as a species of Thamnomys by Thomas (1907 a) and listed that way by G. M. Allen (1939). Ellerman (1941), however, treated it as valid species of Grammomys, which, in the absence of a critical systematic revision of the genus, best expresses current knowledge. Thomas (1907 a) noted the diagnostic mammary count in G. dryas, which, in combination with cranial traits, set it apart from other described forms (our study of specimens). See Kerbis Peterhans et al. (1998) for review of altitudinal distribution of G. dryas in context of the entire Ruwenzori small mammal fauna.

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae