| Abstrakt: |
Based on molecular and morphological evidence, we describe a new species of murine rodent from Mt. Kampalili in easternmost Mindanao Island, Philippines. It is the third known species of Tarsomys, a genus endemic to Mindanao. The new species differs from congeners (T. apoensisand T. echinatus) in having smaller body size, shorter tail, smaller hind feet, soft and dense pelage of darker color, smaller skull with a broader zygomatic plate, shorter incisive foramina, and longer auditory bullae. The new species belongs to the “Tarsomysclade” of tribe Rattini that has diversified principally on Mindanao where, in addition to the 3 species of Tarsomys, it is represented by 2 species of Limnomysand 1 species of Baletemys. The Tarsomysclade also includes the Rattus everetticomplex which is widespread throughout the oceanic portion of the Philippines and likely consists of at least 4 species. Molecular phylogenetic analysis strongly supports a sister relationship between this new species and T. apoensis, which diverged approximately 1.0 to 1.75 Ma. The phylogenetic position, morphological distinctness, and relatively ancient persistence of this species support within-island diversification as the most substantial contributor to existing species richness of small mammals in the Philippines.We describe a recently discovered species of rodent, Tarsomys orientalis, from Mt. Kampalili in eastern Mindanao Island, Philippines. The new species and its nearest relatives constitute a group of rodents that have principally diversified on Mindanao, but also include a species group that occurs throughout most of the Philippine Islands. Results support the recognition of Mt. Kampalili as a unique center of biodiversity that warrants conservation.Graphical Abstract |
