The distribution, identification, and naming of the Mastomys natalensis species complex in southern Africa (Rodentia: Muridae)

Abstract

Three hundred and forty seven rats belonging to the Mastomys natalensis complex (Smith, 1834) were live trapped from 60 localities in southern Africa. They were identified as species A, or B using either or both diploid chromosome number and haemoglobin electromorphs. These, and previously published data are presented to give a distribution of the species in southern Africa. It is suggested that workers may safely use the haemoglobin marker for identification purposes in this region as opposed to the more difficult chromosome marker. We suggest that species A can be referred to M. natalensis (Smith, 1834), and species B to M. coucha (Smith, 1836). We consider the two other oldest synonyms, M. caffer (Smith, 1834), and M. marikquensis (Smith, 1836).

Chromosomal characterization of three species of the genus Mastomys in Senegal

“…Finally, CAPANNA et al (1982) found it also in Somalia. GREEN et al (1980) proposed a systematic revision of the genus Mustomys for Southern Africa based on the comparison of type localities and karyotype distributions. They conclude that the 2n = 36/NFa = 56 morph should be attributed to the M .…”

Daily rhythms of body temperature and heat production of sibling mastomys species from different ecosystems — The response to photoperiod manipulations

“…Mastomys natalensis (sensue lato) occurs commonly throughout most of South Africa. It was incorrectly considered as a single species but cytogenetically and electrophoretical studies during the late 1970s and early 1980s revealed the presence of two electrophoretically distinct types (2n = 32/"slow" hemoglobin electromorph and 2n = 36/ "fast" hemoglobin electeromorph), (Green et al, 1980;Gordon and Watson, 1986). These two cytotypes have also been reported to differ in sperm and bacular morphology, reproductive behaviour, pheromones and ultrasonic vocalization (Skinner and Smithers, 1990;Musser and Carleton, 1993;Smit et al, 2001).…”

Multimammate mice of the genus Mastomys (Rodentia: Muridae) in Ethiopia – diversity and distribution assessed by genetic approaches and environmental niche modelling

“…For specimens collected in the early years of the JERBE activity, species identification was carried out using cytogenetic methods. Individual Mastomys species of eastern Africa are well distinguished by their karyotypes: M. awashensis -2n = 32, FNa = 54; M. erythroleucus -2n = 38, FNa = 50-56; M. natalensis -2n = 32, FNa = 52-54 (Green et al 1980, Lavrenchenko et al 1998. Two species with 32 chromosomes, M. natalensis and M. awashensis, differ by the number of metacentric and submetacentric elements, C-banding pattern and the form of the Y-chromosome (see Lavrenchenko et al 1998).…”