Mammalia, Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae, Rhogeessa hussoni Genoways and Baker, 1996: Distribution extension and taxonomic notes. (original) (raw)
Related papers
2002
A b s t r a c t . Morphometric skull variation was studied in Rhinolophus mehelyi, R. euryale and R. blasii by means of 50 cranial, mandibular and dental measurements. In R. euryale differences between age groups (subadults, adults and old adults) were not significant. Poorly pronounced sexual dimorphism (male skulls were, on average, larger than those of females in some measurements) and low geographical variability within Bulgaria were observed in R. euryale. We propose a simple biplot (length of cheek teeth against the rostral posterior width), a stepwise discriminant analyses of some criteria and numerical keys that allow the clear determination of crania or their parts. A large additional sample of incomplete crania was determined on the basis of these keys which, in turn, allow data to be obtained on species distribution patterns. Rhinolophus euryale is the most frequent and probably the most abundant horseshoe bat species examined, and occurs throughout Bulgaria. Rhinolophus mehelyi is widespread but appears to be relatively rare. Rhinolophus blasii is confined mainly to the southern regions of Bulgaria, but may be abundant locally.
Skull and tooth morphology of Finnish and Japanese raccoon dogs
Annales Zoologici …, 1998
The skull and tooth morphometrics of Finnish and Japanese raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis and N. p. viverrinus, respectively) were examined and compared. The skulls of Finnish raccoon dogs were larger overall than those of Japanese raccoon dogs (tanukis) and were also larger relative to occipital condyle breadth, i.e. body size. Almost all measurements differed among samples in relation to skull size, indicating differences in skull shape. Mandible width and jaw height were the best measurements for discriminating among populations; the mandible is both absolutely and relatively more robust and the jaws more powerful among Finnish than among Japanese raccoon dogs. Japanese raccoon dogs have a relatively longer rostrum and longer tooth rows than Finnish raccoon dogs. Although the absolute measurements of most teeth of Finnish raccoon dogs were larger than those of Japanese raccoon dogs, the relative measurements of molars in particular were larger in Japan than in Finland, indicating a larger grinding surface among Japanese raccoon dogs. We suggest that viverrinus has adapted to a milder climate and less carnivorous diet than ussuriensis. The Japanese raccoon dog is smaller and, due to its less carnivorous diet, its head has become decreased in size and the jaws less powerful; however, since its diet consists largely of invertebrates and coarse plant material, its molars have increased relative to skull size.
Cranial variation in British mustelids
Journal of Morphology, 2004
Nineteen measurements were made on 136 skulls belonging to seven mustelid species: Meles meles (Eurasian badger), Mustela nivalis, (weasel), Mustela erminea (stoat), Mustela putorius (polecat), Lutra lutra (otter), Mustela furo (ferret), and Mustela vison (American mink), and polecat-ferret hybrids. To investigate shape, size-related effects were eliminated by dividing all measurements by their geometric means. Canonical variate analysis was used to reveal major interspecies distinctions. Excluding the ferrets and polecat-ferrets from the analysis, only 3.2% of the skulls misclassified (one mink, one weasel, and two stoats). Three groups separated on the first canonical axis: 1) badgers, 2) polecats, mink, and otters, and 3) stoats and weasels. The important variables were width of zygomatic arch and height of sagittal crest opposed to the postorbital distance, condylobasal length, and basilar length. Otters separated out on the second canonical axis; the most important variables were postorbital breadth and width of the postorbital constriction opposed to the basioccipital width. There was reasonable separation of polecats from mink on a combination of the second and third canonical axes. On the latter the most important variables were postorbital breadth opposed to postorbital distance. Addition of the ferret data showed that they lay closest to, and overlapped with, the polecats. The stoat and weasel data alone gave complete separation, with height of sagittal crest and width of zygomatic arch opposed to basioccipital width. However, using size-in data the best separation was the relationship between postorbital breadth and either basioccipital width or postorbital distance. Sexual dimorphism was demonstrated in the skulls of badgers but was shown to be relatively insignificant when compared to the interspecific differences.
Revue suisse de zoologie., 1893
resulting tree. Nonparametric bootstrap values (Felsenstein, 1985) with 1000 replicates were calculated for unweighted and weighted characters. 250 B. SCHÄTTI & P. MONSCH The number of preocular, postocular, and gular scales are not influenced by this phenomenon (Schmidtler, 1997). Without anticipating the situation in Hemerophis socotrae (Günther), the genera Hemorrhois, Platyceps, and Spalerosophis, as well as the unassigned racers Coluber (s.l.) dorri (Lataste), C. (s.l.) scorteceli (Lanza), and C. (s.l.) zebrlnus (Broadley & Schätti) from the western Sahel (Sudanese Arid), Somalia, and Namibia, respectively (see Schätti & Utiger, 2001), the morphological and molecular data presented in this study, and in particular the phylogenetic affinities of C. (s.l.) andreanus and Elrenls spp., suggest character polarities for Palaearctic whip and dwarf snakes as listed in Table 4.
Allometric Comparison of Skulls from Two Closely Related Weasels, Mustela itatsi and M. sibirica
Zoological Science, 2011
We conducted an interspecific comparison of skulls from two closely related but differently sized mustelid species, Mustela itatsi and M. sibirica (Mammalia, Carnivora, Mustelidae); a sexual comparison within the latter species showed remarkable size dimorphism. We clarified several differences in skull proportion related to size using allometric analyses and qualitative comparisons. Allometric analysis revealed that the skulls of male M. itatsi (the smaller species) have a relatively long palate; a slender viscerocranium and postorbital constriction; a broad, short, and low neurocranium; small carnassials; and a short mandible with a thin body and small ramus compared to the skulls of male M. sibirica (the larger species). Similar results were obtained when male M. itatsi were compared to female M. sibirica, although the male M. itatsi had a broader viscerocranium than female M. sibirica. A sexual comparison in M. sibirica revealed a larger skull size among the males with a relatively wide viscerocranium; wide postorbital constriction; a slender, long, and high neurocranium; short and wide auditory bullae; short carnassials; and a long and high mandible compared to females. Qualitative comparisons revealed changes in a few characters depending on skull size or with respect to some cranial components in each species. The interspecific differences observed were clearly larger than the intraspecific differences for three qualitative characters. The allometric and qualitative differences detected between these species suggest that each species is not simply the dwarf and/or giant morph of the other, and complicated differences were clarified.
Canis lupaster is a canid that lives in North Africa. In the past, this species was considered a subspecies of golden jackal (Canis aureus), a subspecies of wolf (Canis lupus), or a separated species. Since 2011 genetic data have demonstrated that C. lupaster is not a golden jackal and that it is more closely related to wolf lineage. The recent interest on C. lupaster lead to the publication of some papers on this topic, but the vast majority concerned genetic data. In this paper a morphological approach is presented. Twelve specimens, collected in Libya between 1926 and 1931 and now stored in the Natural History Museum of Genoa, are described here. C. lupaster is compared with the African golden jackal and with the wolf. MANOVA, PCA and discrimi-nant analysis were performed. C. lupaster show many differences and is well separated both from wolf and from African golden jackal. Measures and ratios, that allow to rapidly recognise among these species, were identified. These ratios could be a useful tool for field researchers to quickly identify the correct species.
ANNALS OF CARNEGIE MUSEUM Visiting Museum Specialist, Section of Mammals
Annals of Carnegie Museum
The systematics, distribution, and ecology of the Didelphimorphia, Xenarthra, Chiroptera, Primates, Carnivora, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, and Lagomorpha of Tucumán Province, Argentina, are summarized. Sixty-eight species belonging to 16 families are considered; two species are of probable occurrence (Tayassu pecarí and Myrmecophaga tridactyla), and another species occurred in the province within the memories of locals living in the area (Cebus apella). A checklist also contains information on occurrence and status. Species accounts provide data on taxonomy, specimens examined and additional records, standard external and cranial morphological measurements, reproduction, molting, habitat preferences, general natural history, and other information. Geography, climate, and vegetation of the province are summarized. Mammal extirpations, potential threats to species, and mammalian conservation are discussed.