Fig 43 - uploaded by Leslie Carraway
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Discriminant-function plot of Sorex mediopua (n = 15; closed circles), S. saussurei (n = 24; open circles), and S. veraecrucis (n = 57; open squares) based on 29 quantitative variables and 3 external measurements. Plus (+) symbols represent group centroids. Discriminant-function axis I (χ 2 = 155.10, df = 64, P = 0.0000) accounted for 58.68% and discriminant function axis II (χ 2 = 68.98, df = 31, P = 0.0001) 41.32% of variation present among the 3 taxa. Taxa have narrower and shorter skulls and mandibles from S. mediopua to S. veraecrucis to S. saussurei.
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Examination of published records, and morphometric and morphologic analyses of 3398 museum specimens, revealed that 4 genera including 30 monotypic and 5 polytypic species of shrews (Soricidae) occur in Mexico. Of these, 2 new species were named and 2 subspecies were heretofore unrecognized, 3 were reclassified, and 1 was elevated to species level....
Context in source publication
Context 1
... to the new species Sorex ixtlanensis. Sorex s. saussurei is composed of 3 similar morphotypes. A multigroup discriminant func- tion analysis of these a priori groups, based on 30 quantitative characters, resulted in 3 mor- phometrically distinct groups whose member- ships corresponded to the a priori groups established with qualitative characters (Fig. 43). The most easily seen difference among the 3 is that the I1s of the 1st form have a large, well-pigmented median tine located well within the pigment on the body of the I1s. The 2nd form has a well-pigmented median tine located at the interface of the unpig- mented and pigmented areas of the I1s. And, the I1s of the 3rd form have a ...
Citations
... After carefully examining the shrew specimen, we identified it as a lactating female of the Mexican shrew Megasorex gigas (Merriam 1897) based on external and cranial characteristics following Carraway (2007). It had a light gray-lights brown dorsal pelage and visible ears; a considerable total length of 128 mm; head and body of 81 mm long (Figure 2). ...
The proliferation of cats (Felis catus) has dramatically increased, leading to a worldwide serious conservation issue. In tropical and mega-diverse regions, their impact on wildlife has still been poorly documented. The objective of this note was to report a shrew potentially hunted by a cat in Colima, México. On January 30, 2022, we took a recently hunted shrew off a cat at the Centro Universitario de Gestión Ambiental (CEUGEA). We initially detected the predator about 25 m away playing with a prey. We approached the cat and scared it to examine the shrew, which was fresh and had an open wound on one of its flanks. After carefully examining the specimen, we identified it as the Mexican shrew Megasorex gigas based on external and cranial characteristics. Megasorex is a monotypic genus endemic to western México. It is considered Threatened by the Mexican government and has been determined rare. Cats have been sighted hunting the fauna of CEUGEA, whereas the report of cats hunting shrews has been historically typical in temperate zone countries. In tropical regions, anecdotal records of cats leaving dead shrews in homes are not uncommon. However, there has not been an accurate and formal record of these events that would allow documenting the possible impact of such predators on shrews. We hope that this note might serve to begin a systematization of cat predation records on shrews for enhancing the comprehension of the effect of invasive exotic species on native fauna in megadiverse countries. / Los gatos (Felis catus) han proliferado de forma dramática, generando un serio problema de conservación mundial. En regiones tropicales y megadiversas, su impacto sobre la vida silvestre ha sido pobremente documentado. El objetivo de esta nota fue reportar la captura de una musaraña presuntamente cazada por un gato en Colima, México. En enero 30, 2022, le quitamos una musaraña a un gato en el Centro Universitario de Gestión Ambiental (CEUGEA). Detectamos inicialmente al gato a 25 m mientras jugaba con una presa. Nos aproximamos y lo espantamos para examinar la musaraña, la cual estaba fresca y presentaba una herida en uno de sus flancos. Tras una revisión minuciosa del espécimen, se identificó como musaraña gigante mexicana, Megasorex gigas, con base en características externas y craneales. Megasorex es un género monotípico endémico del oeste de México. Está considerada como Amenazada por el gobierno mexicano y se le considera rara. Los gatos han sido observados cazando la fauna de CEUGEA, mientras que los reportes de gatos depredando musarañas han sido históricamente típicos en países de zonas templadas. En regiones tropicales, las anécdotas de gatos llevando musarañas a casas no son desconocidas. Sin embargo, no existe un registro preciso ni formal de estos eventos que permita documentar el impacto de estos depredadores sobre las musarañas. Esperamos que esta nota contribuya a iniciar la sistematización de los registros asociados a la depredación de musarañas por gatos para mejorar la comprensión del efecto de especies exóticas invasoras sobre la fauna nativa de países megadiversos.
... In the case of C. mexicanus, for example, its potential distribution could have included areas of mid-and high mountains, suggesting population persistence despite the most intense cold around 20 ka. Some tropical shrews can tolerate frosts and snow, such as Cryptotis alticola, Sorex altoensis and S. orizabae (Carraway, 2007), so it is possible that C. mexicanus also shares this attribute. The modeled response curves indicate that the current niche of C. mexicanus could be truncated because the OH does not present conditions as cold as those in the LGM (see Supporting Information Fig. S2). ...
The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 26,000–19,000 years before the present) altered the distribution of species worldwide. Its effect is poorly known in tropical regions because the cooling and drought reached during that period are uncertain. Here, I generated hypotheses regarding the possible responses of cloud forest mammals in the Oaxacan Highlands (OH) of Mexico, a region with one of the most extensive cloud forests in the Neotropics. First, I used three General Circulation Models (GCMs: CCSM3, MIROC‐ESM and MPI) to characterize probable climates during the LGM. Then, I used ecological niche models to estimate the current and LGM potential distributions of four cloud forest species. As in other locations, the results show that GCMs are consistent with cooler conditions relative to today; however, the three GCMs estimate precipitation regimes with notable variations in the region. MPI indicates that the LGM could have been even wetter than present. Consequently, the MPI scenario allowed more widespread potential distributions of mammals. The paleodistributions show how mid‐ and lowlands were essential for the long‐term survival of these ‘high‐mountain mammals’ throughout the last glacial–interglacial cycle. The paleodistributions presented here are precise hypotheses that can be tested based on paleoecological and genetic evidence.
... Therefore, to begin to fill this gap in the cytogenetic knowledge of Mexican soricids, we studied the karyotype of the big Mexican small-eared shrew (Cryptotis magnus), a member of the C. mexicanus species group characterized by its relatively large size compared to other Cryptotis from North America (He et al. 2021). It has a very restricted distribution in the north-central part of the state of Oaxaca, in southern México, and inhabits the cloud forest between 1,200 and 3,000 m (Carraway 2007;Guevara et al. 2015). Its long tail and primitive cranial and dental characteristics would seem to indicate that C. magnus is the only surviving representative of an ancient lineage (Choate 1970). ...
... We followed conventional guidelines for using wild mammals in research (Sikes et al. 2016) and regulations of a collecting permit of the Mexican government (FAUT-0002). Taxonomic identity of the specimens was confirmed using identification guides by Carraway (2007) and Álvarez-Castañeda et al. (2017). ...
To know and conserve Mexican shrews it is necessary to know them well, although their taxonomic identification is difficult. However, cytogenetic tools can help to discriminate species. There are no known karyotypes of Mexican shrews, so we decided to initiate the study of their chromosomes starting with Cryptotis magnus. Shrews were collected in the cloud forest of Oaxaca and chromosomal metaphases were prepared from bone marrow, stained with Giemsa, examined microscopically, and photographed. Chromosomes were examined and counted to calculate the 2n, determine their morphology, and estimate the FN; finally, a karyotype was prepared. Specimens of C. magnus were cataloged in the Colección Nacional de Mamíferos, Instituto de Biología, UNAM. Results showed numerous metaphase cells and conspicuous chromosomes. The diploid chromosome number found was 2n = 26, consisting of 24 biarmed autosomal chromosomes (18 metacentric and 6
submetacentric) and 2 sex chromosomes (X: large subtelocentric; Y: small telocentric). Adding the number of chromosome arms of the autosomes the resulting FN was 48. The chromosomal complement of C. magnus is distinctive and its 2n is one of the smallest in the family Soricidae. The current conformation of its chromosomal profile may have originated from Robertsonian chromosomal rearrangements that reduced the ancestral 2n (46) to 2n = 26 producing autosomes of biarmed morphology. Geographic isolation in a small geographic region of Oaxaca may have facilitated this evolutionary process.
... in the past decade (e.g., Woodman 2015Woodman , 2018Woodman , 2019Zeballos et al. 2018), the number of species in the genus might not be well-known due to the difficulty in collecting shrews, the relatively low representation of specimens in natural history museums, and the lack of taxonomic experts (Carraway 2007;Woodman et al. 2012). ...
The Cryptotis goodwini species group of small-eared shrews (Eulipotyphla, Soricidae) includes at least 12 species discontinuously distributed in the cloud forests from southern Mexico to Honduras. Its taxonomy is still under study, with several species described only in the last decade. Previous genetic studies have highlighted that a population from El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico, previously assigned to C. goodwini, is evolutionarily divergent from the other known species. However, the available specimens from this region have not been examined rigorously. Herein, I use morphological and biogeographic analyses to evaluate the taxonomic status of this population. The results confirm that it is an independent lineage, which I describe here as a new species endemic to Mexico. Overall, this is the largest shrew within the C. goodwini group. Its morphological and genetic distinction is probably due to long-term geographic isolation in the mountains of El Triunfo. I present what is now the first and only record of C. goodwini (sensu stricto) for Mexico. Finally, I identify some priority regions to direct field surveys on the C. goodwini species group to better understand its richness and distribution.
... Unfortunately, we cannot determine which species of Notiosorex these two observations represent. Diagnostic characters, such as overall body length and percentage of total body length represented by the claw on the middle digit of the manus, are best assessed with specimens, rather than live individuals (Carraway 2007). We did not have required permits to collect mammals. ...
This book details the biology, ecology, and natural history of mammals at Rancho El Aribabi, Sonora, Mexico.
... Notiosorex crawfordi is the most widespread species of the genus, ranging from southern United States to northern México, with isolated records in the states of Zacatecas, Durango, and Hidalgo (Carraway and Timm 2000;Álvarez and González-Ruiz 2001;Carraway 2007;Rojas-Martínez et al. 2014;Álvarez-Córdoba et al. 2020). Traditionally, specimens from Zacatecas, Durango, and Hidalgo have been identified as N. crawfordi based on cranial morphology (Carraway and Timm 2000;Álvarez and González-Ruiz 2001;Rojas-Martínez et al. 2014). ...
El género Notiosorex comprende 5 especies actuales, típicas de las áreas xerófilas del norte de México, a excepción de N. crawfordi cuyo registro más sureño es de Hidalgo. Damos a conocer el primer registro de esta especie en una localidad aún más sureña, en la Ciudad de México. Encontramos un ejemplar muerto de musaraña en el Volcán Tecuautzin y fue trasladado a la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa para recuperar la piel y el esqueleto. Del cráneo y mandíbula tomamos 22 medidas con el programa ImageJ versión 1.8.0. El ejemplar fue depositado en la Colección Nacional de Mamíferos, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. El ejemplar es un macho adulto del género Notiosorex con glándulas cutáneas laterales en el cuerpo, 3 dientes maxilares unicúspides y el premolar maxilar con pigmentación rojiza parcial, rasgos típicos del género. Por tener una extensión lateral en la fosa glenoidea y el proceso paraoccipital libre sobresaliendo del exoccipital lo asignamos a N. crawfordi. Las medidas morfométricas del cráneo y mandíbula están dentro de la variación reportada para la especie por otros autores. Este registro de N. crawfordi amplía hacia el sur la distribución geográfica de la especie y aumenta a 81 el número de especies de mamíferos con registro en la Ciudad de México. La especie está clasificada como amenazada por la autoridad ambiental mexicana y el sitio de recolecta presenta actividad antropogénica, que pone en peligro la continuidad de esta población. Se invita a las autoridades correspondientes a evaluar la ampliación del área natural protegida de Sierra de Santa Catarina.
... Con base en la información contenida en el Sistema Nacional de Información sobre Biodiversidad (snib), la consulta reciente de colecciones biológicas, bases de datos y literatura especializada (Briones-Salas y Sánchez-Cordero 2004, Pérez-Lustre et al. 2006, Carraway 2007, Bradley et al. 2008, García-García et al. 2009, Santos-Moreno y Ruiz-Velásquez 2011, Buenrostro-Silva et al. 2012, Cervantes y Riveros-Lara 2012, Kraker-Castañeda et al. 2013, , Briones-Salas et al. 2015, se presenta información actualizada a partir del último estudio de biodiversidad de Oaxaca, en donde se hace referencia a la presencia de 190 especies de mamíferos terrestres en el estado (Briones-Salas y Sánchez-Cordero 2004). ...
... Con base en la revisión realizada, se considera necesario corroborar la presencia actual de algunas especies que no han sido registradas desde hace décadas o que no cuentan con registros confirmados en el estado, como en los casos de la musaraña Megasorex gigas y el roedor Osgoodomys banderanus (éste último no incluido en el listado presentado en este trabajo). Gracias al incremento reciente en el estudio de los mamíferos en la entidad, aún se siguen encontrando especies en sitios donde previamente no existían registros (Carraway 2007, Botello et al. 2005, 2006a, b, 2014, Botello 2017, incluso algunas tan grandes como el tapir centroamericano (Tapirella bairdii, figura 1; Lavariega et al. 2013. ...
... Con base en la información contenida en el Sistema Nacional de Información sobre Biodiversidad (snib), la consulta reciente de colecciones biológicas, bases de datos y literatura especializada (Briones-Salas y Sánchez-Cordero 2004, Pérez-Lustre et al. 2006, Carraway 2007, Bradley et al. 2008, García-García et al. 2009, Santos-Moreno y Ruiz-Velásquez 2011, Buenrostro-Silva et al. 2012, Cervantes y Riveros-Lara 2012, Kraker-Castañeda et al. 2013, , Briones-Salas et al. 2015, se presenta información actualizada a partir del último estudio de biodiversidad de Oaxaca, en donde se hace referencia a la presencia de 190 especies de mamíferos terrestres en el estado (Briones-Salas y Sánchez-Cordero 2004). ...
... Con base en la revisión realizada, se considera necesario corroborar la presencia actual de algunas especies que no han sido registradas desde hace décadas o que no cuentan con registros confirmados en el estado, como en los casos de la musaraña Megasorex gigas y el roedor Osgoodomys banderanus (éste último no incluido en el listado presentado en este trabajo). Gracias al incremento reciente en el estudio de los mamíferos en la entidad, aún se siguen encontrando especies en sitios donde previamente no existían registros (Carraway 2007, Botello et al. 2005, 2006a, b, 2014, Botello 2017, incluso algunas tan grandes como el tapir centroamericano (Tapirella bairdii, figura 1; Lavariega et al. 2013. ...
... Existe una diferencia sustancial en cuanto el número de registros para cada una de las especies, teniendo que los menores registros son principalmente en los Soricidos (musarañas), esto se podría adjudicar a la captura incidental como roedores y por ello la errónea identificación (Carraway, 2007). Por otra parte, como ya se ha reportado en otras contribuciones (Gaona et al., 2003;González, 2011), existe una aglomeración de registros de presencia en la zona montañosa del estado como se muestra en el presente trabajo, ello es el resultado tácito de muestreos alrededor de zonas urbanizadas y suburbanizadas influenciadas por el efecto de carreteras y caminos. ...
Los principios geográficos son la base para el desarrollo y operación del componente espacial del Sistema de Monitoreo de los Manglares en México (smmm). Los manglares son ecosistemas complejos y biodiversos de las costas mexicanas que ofrecen servicios ecosistémicos de gran relevancia. En este capítulo se exponen métodos y técnicas utilizados para generar la cartografía del smmm, mediante el uso de datos satelitales como insumo para el monitoreo del ecosistema e identificación de los agentes de cambio. Asimismo, se presentan herramientas para la visualización y distribución de los resultados. La disponibilidad de información y conocimiento sobre estos ecosistemas, tanto de tipo cualitativo como cuantitativo, es fundamental para la toma de decisiones en los temas de conservación de la biodiversidad”
... Both were young individuals: one male and one of unknown sex, respectively. (Carraway 2007, Woodman 2018. A specimen of Sorex emarginatus was collected in the vicinity of Lindavista, Nayarit, in pineoak forest (Fig. 1C). ...
... These areas are considered cloud forests by some authors ("bosque mesófilo"-González-Elizondo et al. 2012). The specimen represents the first documented record of the species for the state of Nayarit, extending its distribution 120 km NW from the nearest locality near Bolaños, Jalisco (Carraway 2007). The specimen was a male collected in August, and it had scrotal testes (8 × 4 mm). ...
We report for the first time the presence of 2 shrew species (Sorex altoensis and S. emarginatus) and 4 rodent species (Peromyscus merriami, P. schmidlyi, Reithrodontomys zacatecae, and Sigmodon leucotis) in the state of Nayarit, Mexico, as well as the occurrence of P. carletoni and P. schmidlyi in Jalisco and Zacatecas. We extend the known distribution range of the squirrel Sciurus aureogaster to northern Nayarit and report the presence of 2 subspecies of P. eremicus and 3 of Neotoma mexicana in near sympatry. We also confirm the presence of Tlacuatzin sinaloae and P. micropus in Nayarit. Finally, we document the presence of Dasypus novemcinctus in the highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Durango; these are the first records of the nine-banded armadillo in Durango in 57 years. Our results highlight the importance of continuing biological surveys and inventories in the least-explored areas of Mexico.
