Are cryptic species of the Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, Jaculus jaculus (Rodentia, Dipodidae), really cryptic? Re‐evaluation of their taxonomic status with new data from Israel and Sinai. (11th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shenbrot, Georgy; Feldstein, Tamar; Meiri, Shai
• Is Part Of: Journal of zoological systematics and evolutionary research. Volume 54:Number 2(2016:May)
• Page Start: 148
• Page End: 159
• Publication Date: 2016-01-11
• Subjects: Geographic distribution -- ecological differentiation -- genetic differentiation -- taxonomy -- nomenclature; Animals -- Classification -- Periodicals; Zoology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 578.012
• DOI: 10.1111/jzs.12121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-5745

Abstract

Abstract: Two clades of the lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus sensu lato were recently described in North Africa and considered as cryptic species. Members of both clades are also found in Israel, where they can be easily identified according to fur and tail colouration and morphology of the male external genitalia, but cannot be separated confidently using skull characters. Examination of type specimens demonstrated that the correct names for the two species are Jaculus jaculus (Linnaeus 1758) and Jaculus hirtipes (Lichtenstein, 1823). Comparisons of geographic and habitat differences of the two species revealed a high niche divergence between them, slightly higher in the sympatric North African populations than in the parapatric populations of Israel and Sinai. A low niche divergence was detected between North African and Middle Eastern populations of J. jaculus, and a low niche convergence between North African and Middle Eastern populations of J. hirtipes . The levels of niche differentiation coincide with those of genetic differences. Abstract : Two recently described in North Africa clades of the lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus sensu lato were also found in Israel. They can be identified according tail coloration and morphology of glans penis. Examination of type specimens indicated that the correct names for these species are Jaculus jaculus (Linnaeus 1758) and Jaculus hirtipes (Lichtenstein, 1823). The two species demonstrated a high niche divergence between them, higher in the sympatric North‐African populations than in the parapatric populations of Israel and Sinai.