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A new species of shrew tenrec ( Microgale jobihely ) from northern Madagascar
Author(s) -
Goodman S. M.,
Raxworthy C. J.,
Maminirina C. P.,
Olson L. E.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00146.x
Subject(s) - biology , shrew , genus , phylogenetic tree , zoology , sister group , ecology , massif , paleontology , clade , gene , biochemistry
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.