New insights into the systematics of Malagasy mongoose-like carnivorans (Carnivora, Eupleridae, Galidiinae) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences

Abstract

The Malagasy carnivorans (Eupleridae) comprise seven genera and up to ten species, depending on the authority, and, within the past decades, two new taxa have been described. The family is divided into two subfamilies, the Galidiinae, mongoose‐like animals, and the Euplerinae, with diverse body forms. To verify the taxonomic status of Galidiinae species, including recently described taxa, as well as some recognized subspecies, we studied intrageneric genetic variation and structure, using both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Our results suggest the recognition of four species in the Galidiinae, rendering each genus monospecific. We propose to recognize three subspecies in Galidia elegans (G. e. dambrensis, G. e. elegans, and G. e. occidentalis), two subspecies in Mungotictis decemlineata (M. d. decemlineata and M. d. lineata), and two subspecies in Galidictis fasciata (G. f. fasciata and G. f. grandidieri, the latter was recently described as a distinct species). Our results indicate also that Salanoia durrelli should be treated as a junior synonym of Salanoia concolor. Low levels of intraspecific divergence revealed some geographical structure for the Galidiinae taxa, suggesting that environmental barriers have isolated certain populations in recent geological time. All taxa, whether at the species or subspecies level, need urgent conservation attention, particularly those with limited geographical distributions, as all are threatened by forest habitat degradation.

A review of the systematics of small mammalian carnivores

“…The congeneric species is the Brown‐tailed vontsira Salanoia concolor , with a limited range in north‐east Madagascar. A genetic study, based mainly on samples from museum specimens, suggested that the isolated population of Lac Alaotra may not be a separate species (Veron, Dupré et al ., 2017). The same study also showed that the two species Broad‐striped vontsira Galidictis fasciata and Grandidier's vontsira Galidictis grandidieri form two separate clades but with a low level of genetic divergence and, therefore, should be considered subspecies of G. fasciata .…”

“…Based on recent studies, it appears that all seven genera of Malagasy carnivorans are monotypic (Veron, Dupré et al ., 2017; Veron & Goodman, 2018; Goodman & Veron, 2018).…”

Comparison of Scent Lures on Captive Fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox): Implications for Field Methods

“…Family Eupleridae, the carnivore group endemic to the island of Madagascar, represents one of the least known and most threatened groups of carnivores in the world [9]. The taxonomic placement of this family of carnivores is still debated today, due to the isolation of this group over the last tens of millions of years [10].…”