THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF SMALL MAMMALS OF THE BALE MOUNTAINS, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Cytogenetic and allozyme analyses of small mammals (Insectivora
and Rodentia) of the Bale Mountains National Park were carried out. Karyotypes and electrophoretic analysis of protein variations of endemic species (Crocidura lucina, C. glass;, C. harenna, C. bottegoides, Tachyoryctes macrocephalus, Dendromus lovali, Arvicanthis bUck;, Stenocephalemys albocaudata, S. griseicauda, Praomys albipes, Mus mahomet and Lophuromys melanonyx) are presented and discussed. New cryptic species in the genera Crocidura, Lophuromys, Stenocephalemys and Otomys were found. The most interesting
finding was a rodent new to science - Lophuromys sp.A. This species may be endemic to relic Harenna Forest. High level of genetic isolation between different populations of some endemic species was noted. Importance of genetic approach for conservation of en Jemic small mammals is emphasized.