The distribution, identification, and naming of the Mastomys natalensis species complex in southern Africa (Rodentia: Muridae)

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1980.tb04215.x
• Publication Date: 2009-08-20T23:59:37Z
• Authors: Christopher A. Green; Hillary Keogh; D. H. Gordon; M. Pinto; E. K. Hartwig
• Keywords: Mastomys; Muridae; Identification; Cytotaxonomy

Three hundred and forty seven rats belonging to the Mastomys natalensis complex (Smith, 1834) were live trapped from 60 localities in southern Africa. They identified as species A, or B using either both diploid chromosome number haemoglobin electromorphs. These, previously published data are presented give a distribution of It is suggested that workers may safely use marker for identification purposes this region opposed more difficult marker. We suggest A can be referred M. 1834), coucha 1836). consider two other oldest synonyms, caffer marikquensis