Recursos alimentares nos estratos verticais e sua relação com pequenos mamíferos em uma Floresta de Araucária do sul do Brasil

ABREU, M.S.L.; SCHMITZ, G.W.; OLIVEIRA, L.R. 2015. Recursos alimentares nos estratos verticais e sua relação com pequenos mamíferos em uma Floresta de Araucária do sul do Brasil. Revista de Ciências Ambientais 9(2):131-144. doi: 10.18316/1981-8858.16

Abstract. Food resources on the vertical strata and their relationship with small mammals in an Araucaria forest of southern Brazil. This study presents the relationship between the use of different layers by non-volant small mammals and the food resources availability in an Araucaria Forest area from southern Brazil. In this sense, 150 live traps were placed on the ground, understory and canopy. The availability of resources in the layers was evaluated by counting fruits, seeds and captured invertebrates. As a result, 10 species were recorded of non-volant small mammals. An inverse relationship was found between captures of: Akodon montensis and availability of fruits and seeds on the ground (R = -0.95, P = 0.05); Juliomys sp. and invertebrates abundance in the canopy (R = -0.96, P = 0.04); and Gracilinanus microtarsus and total food availability in the canopy (R = -0.99, P = 0.008). The results suggest that in times of food scarcity, small mammals in the Araucaria Forest may need more time searching for food, increasing catch rates in the strata where they live.

Seed survival and dispersal of an endemic Atlantic forest palm: the combined effects of defaunation and forest fragmentation

GALETTI, M. DONATTI, C.I.; PIRES, A.S.; GUIMARÃES JR., P.R.; JORDANO, P. 2006. Seed survival and dispersal of an endemic Atlantic forest palm: the combined effects of defaunation and forest fragmentation. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 151:141-149. 

Abstract. About 45 palm species occur in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, and most of them are affected by loss of seed dispersers resulting from forest fragmentation and hunting. Here we report the effects of habitat loss and defaunation on the seed dispersal system of an endemic palm, Astrocaryum aculeatissimum. We evaluated seed removal, insect and rodent seed predation, and scatter-hoarding in nine sites, ranging from 19 ha to 79 000 ha. We report the seedling, juvenile and adult palm densities in this range of sites. Endocarps remaining beneath the parent palm had a higher probability of being preyed upon by insects in small, mostly fragmented and more defaunated sites. The frequency of successful seed removal, scatter-hoarding and consumption by rodents increased in the larger, less defaunated sites. Successful removal and dispersal collapsed in small (< 1000 ha), highly defaunated sites and frequently resulted in low densities of both seedlings and juveniles. Our results indicate that a large fraction of Atlantic forest palms that rely on scatter-hoarding rodents may become regionally extinct due to forest fragmentation and defaunation. Current management practices including palm extraction and hunting pressure have a lasting effect on Atlantic forest palm regeneration by severely limiting successful recruitment of prereproductive individuals.

O gênero Holochilus (Mammalia: Cricetidae) no Rio Grande do Sul: taxonomia e distribuição

MARQUES, R.V. 1988. O gênero Holochilus (Mammalia: Cricetidae) no Rio Grande do Sul: taxonomia e distribuição. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia 4(4):347-360.

Abstract. The genus Holochilus Brandt, 1835 is represented in Rio Grande do Sul, Southem Brazil, by two forms: H. brasiliensis vulpinus (Brants, 1827) e H. magnus Hershkovitz, 1955. They are myomorph rodents with semi-aquatic habits. Species of Holochilus range from Northern South America to Central Argentina. In this paper, I present an analysis ofstandard measurements of specimens collected in Southem Brazil and deposited in the collections of FZB, PUC and UFRGS and a distribution map with collecting localities.

Occurrence and mortality of Lasiurus ega (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in monocultures of Pinus sp. in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil

BARROS, M.A.S.; RUI, A.M. 2011. Occurrence and mortality of Lasiurus ega (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in monocultures of Pinus sp. in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Chiroptera Neotropical 17(2):997-1002.

Abstract. Lasiurus ega is a widespread, insectivorous bat, occurring in several types of natural and altered habitats. Individuals are solitary and roost among tree branches and leaves. The present work records the use of Pinus individuals as diurnal roosts by L. ega in monocultures, and discusses the possible impact of such behavior on bat’s population. The study area is located in a rural property dominated by grassy vegetation, monocultures and invasions of Pinus spp. near the city of Palmares do Sul, in the northern Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Adults and offspring of L. ega were observed roosting in monocultures of Pinus trees. Some individuals do not leave their tree roosts during the cutting process, and are killed by crushing or by the workers themselves. Bat presence in felled trees is frequent, according to reports by the workers, and may involve different species. This paper represents the first record of the use of Pinus sp. as roost by a bat species in a region where Pinus has been introduced, and the first record of Pinus sp. occupation by L. ega. The monoculture management and removal of individuals of Pinus sp. induce L. ega mortality, including the loss of pregnant and lactating females, and offsprings. Considering the current scarcity of knowledge, it is recommended that Pinus sp. plantations do not be cut during spring and summer, in order to avoid the mortality of L. ega individuals during the critical reproductive period.

Primeiro registro documentado de Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) e Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

PETERS, F.B.; ROTH, P.R.O.; CHRISTOFF, A.U. 2013. Primeiro registro documentado de Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) e Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Biotemas 26(3):177-184.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2013v26n3p177

Abstract. First documented record of Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) and Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) in the state of Santa Catarina, south Brazil. Studies on the richness of small mammals in the Brazilian South Region are recent and point out the need for using varied methods. This way, this paper contributes to knowledge on the fauna of small sigmodontinae rodents in Santa Catarina, including Holochilus brasiliensis and Calomys laucha in the list of species with confirmed occurrence in this state. The records of H. brasiliensis refer to Laguna (n = 2) and Timbe do Sul (n = 1). In turn, C. laucha presents 23 records from Capinzal. The entire material is represented by skull fragments from owl pellets samples collected from nests and feeding perches of the Tyto alba.

On the presence of Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) in the late Pleistocene of southern Brazil

KERBER, L.; LOPES, R.P.; OLIVEIRA, E.V.; RIBEIRO, A.M.; PEREIRA, J. 2012. On the presence of Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) in the late Pleistocene of southern Brazil. GAEA, Journal of Geoscience 8(2):47-54. doi: 10.4013/gaea.2012.82.02.

Abstract. Fossil remains of the sigmodontine rodent Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) from two geographic areas from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil are reviewed and described here. The specimens came from two localities: Quaraí River in the western region, which has yielded a dentary with an incisor and molars, and Chuí Creek in the eastern region, where a fragmented right dentary and a maxillary fragment with molars were collected. The presence of this taxon in the late Pleistocene of meridional Brazil suggests the existence of perennial water bodies.

The taxonomic history of the south and central american akodont rodent genera: Thalpomys, Deltamys, Thaptomys, Hypsimys, Bolomys, Chroeomys, Abrothrix, Scotinomys, Akodon (Chalcomys and Akodon), Microxus, Podoxymys, Lenoxus, Oxymycterus, Notiomys, and Blarinomys

TATE, G.H.H. 1932. The taxonomic history of the south and central american akodont rodent genera: Thalpomys, Deltamys, Thaptomys, Hypsimys, Bolomys, Chroeomys, Abrothrix, Scotinomys, Akodon (Chalcomys and Akodon), Microxus, Podoxymys, Lenoxus, Oxymycterus, Notiomys, and Blarinomys. American Museum Novitates 582:1:32.

Abstract. In this paper, the sixth of my series, I have continued the treatment given in earlier papers. Since neither the several new akodont genera proposed by Thomas not his "groups" of the subgenus Akodon (sensu stricto) appear to be sharply defined, geographic arrangement of the species has been particularly difficult and may prove unsatisfactory. Though wishing to preserve, as much as possible, the arrangement of genera made by Thomas (1916), I have felt that certain changes were desirable: Zygodontomys has been treated in my fifth paper, and the akodont genera are rearranged so as to include Scotinomys and the new genera Deltamys and Hypsimys and to place Akodon (Akodon) next to Microxus.

Bat inventory in a Caatinga area in Northeastern Brazil, with a new occurrence in the state of Paraíba

BELTRÃO, M.G.; ZEPPELINI, C.G.; FRACASSO, M.P.A.; LOPES, L.C.S. 2015. Bat inventory in a Caatinga area in Northeastern Brazil, with a new occurrence in the state of Paraíba. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 10(1):15-20. doi: 10.4013/nbc.2015.101.06

Abstract. The Caatinga is a semi-arid ecosystem with a long history of anthropic impacts and scientific negligence. Since bats are the second most diverse group of mammals and have wide ecological roles, a well-based comprehension of their diversity for an area is important for management and conservationist actions. The goal of this study is to provide a list of the bat species found in Private Reserve of Natural Heritage Fazenda Almas, Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil. By sampling with mist nets and exploring roosts, we captured 126 specimens and recorded 19 species from 5 families. The most abundant species were Artibeus planirostris, Peropteryx macrotis, Myotis nigricans, and Carollia perspicillata. We registered high diversity of Phyllostominae, as well as the occurrence of the genus Histiotus in the state for the first time. Our results indicate that Caatinga areas can maintain bat assemblages with levels of diversity similar to moist tropical areas, which highlights the need to expand the network of protected areas in this threatened ecosystem.

First record of the bushy-tailed opossum, Glironia venusta, Thomas, 1912, (Didelphimorphia) from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

CALZADA, J.; DELIBES, M.; KELLER, C.; PALOMARES, F.; MAGNUSSON, W. 2008. First record of the bushy-tailed opossum, Glironia venusta, Thomas, 1912, (Didelphimorphia) from Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Acta Amazonica 38(4):807-810.

Abstract. A new record of a very rarely observed mammal, the bushy-tailed opossum, Glironia venusta (Didelphimorphia), was obtained for the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. Only 17 other records existed of this species, most from the 1980s. There were only three previous records of the species from Brazil (in the states of Pará, Amazonas and Rondônia). This new record supports the notion that G. venusta is a locally rare species throughout its range, but widely distributed in Brazilian Amazonia.

Abundance and community composition of small mammals in different habitats in Hugumburda forest, northern Ethiopia

ADAM, M.; WELEGERIMA, K.; MEHERETU, Y. 2015. Abundance and community composition of small mammals in different habitats in Hugumburda forest, northern Ethiopia. International Journal fo Biodiversity and Conservation 7(2):119-125. doi: 10.5897/IJBC2014.0787

Abstract. Tropical forest ecosystems harbor several species of small mammals. Diversity and abundance of small mammals in these forests reflect the quality and diversity of the ecosystems. The corrent study was carried out to assess abundance and species composition of small mammals (rodents and shrews) in three habitat types (Pterolobium, Juniperus and Cadia habitats) in Hugumburda forest, a dry afromontane forest in the Tigray region of North Ethiopia. The habitat types were selected based on the floristic compositions (plant species diversity) and level of human disturbance. All together, 179 individual small mammals belonging to seven rodent and one insectivore species were captured in 4,320 trap nights. The rodent species, with their relative abundance, were Stenocephalemys albipes, 55 (30.7%); Mastomys awashensis, 53 (29.6%); Arvicanthis dembeensis, 26 (14.5%); Lophuromys flavopunctatus, 22 (12.3%); Mus (Nannomys) setulosus, 14 (7.8%); Arvicanthis abysinicus 4 (2.2%); Dendromus mystacalis, 3 (1.7%) and the insectivore Crocidura olivieri, 2 (1.1%). There was significant variation in the small mammal abundance among the habitat types (X²= 29.45, P= 0.009), with more individuals caught in Pterolobium habitat, which has relatively highest plant species composition and lowest human disturbance than the other two habitats. The highest small mammal species diversity was also recorded in this habitat (H'= 1.76). Vegetation diversity and level of human interference are likely the major factors affecting small mammal abundance and composition in Hugumburda forest.

Origin of the lumbosacral plexus in Galea spixii (Wagler, 1831) (Rodentia, Caviidae)

OLIVEIRA, G.B.; RODRIGUES, M.N.; SOUSA, R.S.; MOURA, C.E.B.; MIGLINO, M.A.; OLIVEIRA, M.F. 2014. Origin of the lumbosacral plexus in Galea spixii (Wagler, 1831) (Rodentia, Caviidae). Biotemas 27(4):107-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2014v27n4p107

Abstract. The yellow-toothed cavy is a rodent belonging to the Caviidae family that inhabits the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. We used 20 cavies that had died of natural causes, obtained from the Reproduction Center of Wild Animals (CEMAS) of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (UFERSA). The animals were ixed in aqueous solution of 10% formaldehyde and, after 48 hours, they were dissected to visualize plexus. The topographic relations of the lumbosacral plexus were grouped into tables and then they underwent statistical analysis (chi-square test with Yates’ correction). The lumbosacral plexus stemmed from the ventral roots of the last 3 lumbar nerves and the irst 3 sacral nerves, corresponding to 65% of the animals under study (L5L6L7S1S2S3). These nerves stemmed from plexus: femoral, obturator, ischiatic, cranial gluteal, caudal gluteal, and pudendal.

Key words: Anatomy; Nerves; Nervous system; Rodent; Yellow-toothed cavy.

First record of complete albinism in Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera; Phyllostomidae)

FALCÃO, F.C. 2014. First record of complete albinism in Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera; Phyllostomidae). Chiroptera Neotropical 20(1):1234-1236.

Abstract. Albinism is a phenomenon present in many vertebrate species, and can be defined as the absence of normal pigmentation of an organism. In bats, complete albinism is considered a rare phenomenon, and its occurrence was recorded for less than 4% of all existing bat species. On 6 September 2012, an individual of Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) was captured in Igaporã, Bahia, and it had all characteristics of complete albinism, lacking normal pigmentation over the entire body surface, including the iris. The purpose of this paper is to report the first record of complete albinism in Carollia perspicillata and thereby increase the number of species recorded with such anomalies; in addition to contributing to the understanding of this pigmentation disorder.

First record of leucism in Artibeus phaeotis (Miller, 1902) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from Guatemala

TRUJILLO, L.A.; BARAHONA, R. 2014. First record of leucism in Artibeus phaeotis (Miller, 1902) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from Guatemala. Chiroptera Neotropical 20(1):1252-1254.

Abstract. The aim of this communication is to report the first documented case of leucism in Artibeus phaeotis from Guatemala. The bat was captured in Laguna del Tigre National Park, Petén, in northern Guatemala, while we were conducting a bat sampling in the area. Leucism is a condition rarely observed in nature, which is characterized by the partial or total depigmentation of fur; in this case the specimen is distinguished by a depigmentation in the ventral side of the body.

Napoleon Bonaparte and the fate of an Amazonian rat: new data on the taxonomy of Mesomys hispidus (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

ORLANDO, L.; MAUFFREY, J.-F.; CUISIN, J.; PATTON, J.L.; HÄNNI, C.; CATZEFLIS, F. 2003. Napoleon Bonaparte and the fate of an Amazonian rat: new data on the taxonomy of Mesomys hispidus (Rodentia: Echimyidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 27:113-120.

Abstract. The spiny rat Mesomys hispidus is one of many South American rodents that lack adequate taxonomic definition. The few sampled populations of this broadly distribuuted trans-Amazonian arboreal rat have come from widely separated regions and are typically highly divergent. The holotype was described in 1817 by A.-G. Desmarest, after Napoleon's army brought it to Paris following the plunder of Lisbon in 1808; however, the locality of origin has remained unknown. Here we examine the taxonomic status of this species by direct comparison of 50 extant individuals with the holotype at the morphometric and genetic levels, the latter based on 331 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene retrieved from a small skin fragment of the holotype with ancient DNA technology. Extensive sequence divergence is present among samples of M. hispidus collected from throughout its range, from French Guiana across Amazonia to Bolivia and Peru, with at least seven mitochondrial clades recognized (average divergence of 7.7% Kimura 2-parameter distance). Sequence from the holotype is, however, only weakly divergent from those of recent samples from French Guiana. Moreover, the holotype clusters with greater that 99% posterior probability with samples from this part of Amazonia in a discriminant analysis based on 22 cranial and dental measurements. Thus, we suggest that the holotype was originally obtained in eastern Amazonia north of the Amazon River, most likely in the Brazilian state of Amapá. Despite the high level of sequence diversity and marked morphological differences in size across the range of M. hispidus, we continue to regard this assemblage as a single species until additional samples and analyses suggest otherwise.

The molecular phylogenetics of tuco-tucos (genus Ctenomys, Rodentia: Octodontidae) suggests an early burst of speciation

LESSA, E.P.; COOK, J.A. 1998. The molecular phylogenetics of tuco-tucos (genus Ctenomys, Rodentia: Octodontidae) suggests an early burst of speciation. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 9(1):88-99.

Abstract. Variation in the nucleotide sequence of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) was examined for 27 individuals representing 13 species of South American rodents of the genera Ctenomys, Octodontomys, Tympanoctomys, and Spalacopus. Representatives of the family Echimyidae, Euryzygomatomys and Mesomys, were used as outgroups to test the monophyly of the Octodontinae and Ctenomyinae. Relationships among species of tuco-tucos (genus Ctenomys) were also exmined including representatives of the three described subgenera and the two sperm morphs. Reciprocal monophyly of the Octodontinae and Ctenomyinae is strongly supported. Several basal relationships among species of the genus Ctenomys are poorly resolved, suggesting the possibility of a hard polytomy due to a rapid and potentially simultaneous radiation early in the history of the genus. In other cases, clades within the Ctenomyinae previously identified on the basis of allozymes, chromosomes, parasites, or skull morphology were supported. Calibrations based on the fossil record suggest that the mitochondrial cytochrome b of these caviomorphs has evolved at a rapid rate, comparable to those proposed for Mus-Rattus, and three to four times higher than ungulate rates.

A new species of Leaf-eared Mouse, genus Phyllotis Waterhouse, 1837 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from northern Peru

PACHECO, V.; RENGIFO, E.M.; VIVAS, D. 2014. A new species of Leaf-eared Mouse, genus Phyllotis Waterhouse, 1837 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from northern Peru. THERYA 5(2):481-508. doi: 10.12933/therya-14-185

Abstract.
Introduction: Leaf-eared mice, Phyllotis comprise a highly species-rich genus distributed in the Andes of South America from sea level to 5,500 m. This genus includes 15 species in three groups: andium/amicus, osilae, and darwini groups (sensu Steppan et al. 2007). We describe a new species of rodent of the genus Phyllotis from the northern Peruvian Andes, which has been mentioned in the literature as Phyllotis sp. nov. 1 or Phyllotis sp. and placed, in the context of a molecular phylogeny of Phyllotis, as member of the P. andium/amicus group (Steppan et al. 2007). We also report the standard karyotype of this species and comment on its natural history. We further identify an area of endemism in the northwestern Andes of Peru, where the new species and other sigmodontines coincide in patterns of distribution.
Methodology: The new species was in detail compared with other species of Phyllotis, mainly those of the andium/amicus group. Four external and 20 cranial and dental measurements from adult specimens were employed in descriptive statistics. Sexual dimorphism was evaluated in Phyllotis nov. sp. and P. andium using the t test. Then, to compare the new species with P. andium, all cranial and dental measurements were used in principal component analyses (PCA) of the covariance matrix of log-transformed measurements. Chromosome preparations were obtained from bone marrow, following Ford and Hamerton (1956).
Results: Phyllotis nov. sp. is distinguished from all other congeneric species by the combination of a relatively short tail and distinctive cranial morphology, including an comparatively long incisive foramen, a long palate that extends posteriorly beyond M3, mesopterygoid fossa without medial process, squamosal ridge relatively pronounced, ectotympanic large and easily visible from dorsal view, and capsular process inconspicuous or absent. The biplots of PCA show two clearly separated groups, one shaped by specimens of the new species and the other by P. andium; the new species is located mainly on the positive side of the first axis whereas P. andium on the negative side. The diploid number (2n) is 48 and the autosomal fundamental number (FN) is 72.
Discussion and conclusions: The new species of Phyllotis is endemic to the Puna ecoregion of northern Peru. This discovery supports the hypothesis of a generalized biogeographical subdivision in the Puna of northwestern Peru where the ranges of several sigmodontine species coincide in an area limited by the Río Santa, the Río Marañón, and the Huancabamba depression. Based on the presence of numerous crocentric chromosomes and the available molecular data we propose a restricted andium group to include P. andium, P. definitus, and the new species. We also summarize available data on natural history, habitat preferences, reproduction, and the systematic position of this species. The species may be threatened due to its restricted distribution, the relatively high anthropic activity in the region, and its absence in any protected area.

Calomys tener (Winge, 1887) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): filling gaps

QUINTELA, F.M.; SILVEIRA, E.C.; DELLAGNESE, D.G.; CADEMARTORI, C.V. 2014. Calomys tener (Winge, 1887) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): filling gaps. Check List 10(3):650-654. doi: 10.15560/10.3.650

Abstract. Calomys tener is a widely distributed species in Brazil. Herein we report the second record of C. tener in state of Rio Grande do Sul about 80 km northwestwards from the previous southernmost known limit in Brazil.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn owls, Tyto alba (Aves: Strigiformes) along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil

ROCHA, R.G.; FERREIRA, E.; LEITE, Y.L.R.; FONSECA, C.; COSTA, L.P. 2011. Small mammals in the diet of Barn owls, Tyto alba (Aves: Strigiformes) along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil. Zoologia 282(6):709-716. doi: 10.1590/S1984-46702011000600003

Abstract. We collected and analyzed 286 Barn owl, Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769), pellets from two nests in different environments along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil. Our analyses revealed that these owls feed mainly on small mammals, especially rodents. Owls from the riverbanks at Fazenda Santa Fé had a more diverse diet, preying mainly on rodents that typically inhabit riparian grasslands – Holochilus sciureus Wagner, 1842 – and forests – Hylaeamys megacephalus (Fischer, 1814) and Oecomys spp., which probably also occur in forest borders or clearings. On the other hand, owls from an agroecosystem at Fazenda Lago Verde preyed mostly on rodent species common in these agrarian fields, Calomys tocantinsi Bonvicino, Lima & Almeida, 2003. Additionally, we compared small mammal richness estimates based on the analysis of owl pellets with estimates from live-trapping in the same areas. Owl pellets revealed two rodent species undetected by live traps – Euryoryzomys sp. and Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) – and four rodent species were trapped, but not found in owl pellets – Oecomys roberti Thomas, 1904, Pseudoryzomys simplex (Winge, 1887), Rhipidomys ipukensis Rocha, B.M.A. Costa & L.P. Costa, 2011, and Makalata didelphoides (Desmarest, 1817). Traps yielded higher species richness, but these two methods complement each other for surveying small rodents

Cariotipo de Peromyscus grandis (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

ORDÓÑEZ-GARZA, N.; SWIER, V.J.; HANSON, J.D.; SOTERO-CAIO, C.G.; BRADLEY, R.D. 2013. Cariotipo de Peromyscus grandis (Rodentia: Cricetidae). Therya 4(3):575-580. doi: 10.12933/therya-13-122

Abstract. Peromyscus grandis is a rodent whose distribution is restricted to the mountain ranges of central Guatemala. This note represents the first report of karyotypic data for this species. The karyotype (fundamental number = 58) closely resembles karyotypes of other species of Peromyscus.

New distribution records of Serra do Mar Grass Mouse Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the southernmost Brazil

ABREU, M.S.L.; CHRISTOFF, A.U.; VALIATI, V.H.; OLIVEIRA, L.R. 2014. New distribution records of Serra do Mar Grass Mouse Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the southernmost Brazil. Check List 10(3):655-659. doi: 10.15560/10.3.655

Abstract. Geographic distribution is critical information for conservation of the species. In this note we report the southernmost record of Akodon serrensis, a Neotropical terrestrial rodent endemic of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, but yet with undefined distribution limits. Two specimens surveyed in Rio Grande do Sul state were identified as A. serrensis, one by DNA analysis and other by external and cranial morphology. These records represent an expansion of nearly 177 km from the previous known limit of its southern distribution. Moreover, these new records demonstrated the importance of sampling effort in order to establish the real distribution limits of a species.