The impact of the Congo River and its tributaries on the rodent genus Praomys: speciation origin or range expansion limit?

摘要: We studied the taxonomy, distribution, and ecology of species within Praomys, a common rodent genus present in rainforests montane forests sub-Saharan Africa. The taxonomy group is problematic, for sampled region Kisangani (Democratic Republic Congo) no prior genetic study has been published. used combination molecular (cyt b sequencing) craniometric techniques (canonical analyses skull measurements) identification total 654 specimens. confirm presence Praomys minor region, up to now only known from type paratype At least seven are two clades occur along both banks Congo River. present-day distribution seems be influenced by large-scale rainforest fragmentation related drier periods geological history. River could this case constitute modern barrier gene flow when climate enabled expansion. tributaries play role limiting apart Aruwimi jacksoni s.l. © 2011 Linnean Society London, Zoological Journal Society, 2011, 163, 983–1002.