Species limits within the Praomys delectorum group (Rodentia: Muridae: Murinae) of East Africa: a morphometric reassessment and biogeographical implications

摘要: We examined approximately 600 specimens that represent the Praomys delectorum species group (Muridae: Murinae: Praomyini), a rodent complex restricted to Afromontane landscapes in East Africa and currently viewed as single species. Morphometric analyses of 21 population samples consistently disclosed cohesive patterns craniodental differentiation support recognition three species: Thomas, confined extreme southern Malawi; P. melanotus Allen & Loveridge, found highlands south-western Tanzania contiguous northern P. taitae Heller (including octomastis Hatt), distributed mountains foothills Kenya central Tanzania. Populations P. delectorum are patchily moist montane forest, most collecting localities falling within 1000–2400 m, their range collectively coincides with Tanganyika–Nyasa Montane Forest Group sensu Moreau. Patterns faunal similarity derived from distributions 65 terrestrial small mammals recorded Tanzania's highlands, including Eastern Arc Mountains, demonstrated pronounced geographical discontinuities associations but failed uncover prominent vicariant role for Makambako Gap. © 2012 The Linnean Society London, Zoological Journal Society, 2012, 165, 420–469.