Phylogenetic and morphological significance of an overlooked flying squirrel (Pteromyini, Rodentia) from the eastern Himalayas with the description of a new genus

Uncertainties in Systematics of Flying Squirrels (Pteromyini, Rodentia): Implications from a New Record from Vietnam

“…Another important distinguishing feature is the internal structure of bullae, which have multiple complex honeycomb/cobweb septa in Petinomys but only about six simple septa in Olisthomys. The latter condition can be viewed as intermediate between those of true Petinomys and Hylopetes (as illustrated in [15]: Figure S1). However, despite all the differences [42] and subsequently [36,43] preferred not to retain Olisthomys as a valid genus subsuming it into Petinomys.…”

“…Noteworthy, that the bulla walls are thick enough to obscure the position of septa in ordinary light. Position of septa could be seen through the auditory opening with the use of binocular microscope, or into the light through, with intense illumination also through the auditory opening (as is done by [15]). Posterior edge of the bony palate protruded on 1.2 mm beyond posterior teeth and the anterior border of the mesopterygoid fossa has a small medial process.…”

“…The reason for this is the secretive nocturnal lifestyle of these squirrels and the fact that many pteromyine species inhabit the relatively poorly studied areas of the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Recent descriptions of new species [13,14], new genera [15], and remote faunistic findings (e.g., [16]) definitely indicate that the taxonomy and distribution of the tribe require further study.…”

“…Thus, if the identification is confirmed, our finding will be the first documented record for Vietnam. However, taking into account some inconsistency of the published identification keys and the ambiguity of the existing diagnostic features [15,21,23,24], we considered it necessary to study morphology in more details, including cranial features, and analyze DNA sequences.…”

<i>Zoological Research</i> shines in the East

“…ZR also published other high-profile papers in 2021. For instance, Li et al ( 2021 ) performed a phylogenetic and morphological investigation of an overlooked flying squirrel species (Pteromyini, Rodentia) from the eastern Himalayas and described a new genus; Boubli et al ( 2021 ) resolved a taxonomic conundrum of pygmy marmosets using ancient DNA of the type specimen; and Ye et al ( 2021 ) provided an updated annotation of the Chinese tree shrew genome based on large-scale RNA sequencing and long-read isoform sequencing, which will surely become an essential reference for basic and biomedical studies using tree shrews. To list all the important studies published in ZR in 2021 is obviously beyond the scope of this editorial.…”