A new species of shrew tenrec (Microgale jobihely) from northern Madagascar

Authors: Goodman, S. M.; Raxworthy, C. J.¹; Maminirina, C. P.; Olson, L. E.²

Source: Journal of Zoology, Volume 270, Number 2, October 2006 , pp. 384-398(15)

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Abstract:

A new species of shrew tenrec in the genus Microgale is described from a series of 12 specimens taken on the south-western slopes of the Tsaratanana Massif in northern Madagascar and is named Microgale jobihely. This new species is distinguished from other named members of this endemic genus by a variety of mensural and discrete morphological characters. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial ND2 gene supports its recognition as a distinct species and suggests a sister relationship with the much more widespread Microgale cowani. Microgale jobihely appears to be the only member of this genus that is a very localized endemic, and a biogeographic scenario is presented to explain this observation. It is currently known from a small area of forest, outside of the protected areas system, that is faced with considerable anthropogenic pressure.

Keywords: new species; Tenrecidae; Oryzorictinae; Microgale; Madagascar

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00146.x

Affiliations: 1: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA 2: University of Alaska Museum, Fairbanks, AK, USA

Publication date: 2006-10-01