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Yves Rumpler [a], Jorg U. Ganzhorn[b] , Jrgen Tomiuk[d] , Michael Leipoldt [c], Stephanie Warter[a]
Key words
Prosimian * Lemurs * Microcebus myoxinus * Cytogenetics * Taxonomy
Introduction
Until recently only two forms have been classified within the genus Microcebus and their taxonomic rank is still discussed. Some authors [1, 2] assume two distinct subspecies, whereas other authors [3, 4] consider them as two different species, Microcebus murinus and Microcebus rufus. Both forms show the same unbanded karyotype and differ essentially in their coat colour and in their geographic distribution. Individuals of M. murinus are grey-furred and live in the forests of eastern Madagascar while individuals of M. rufus are brown-furred and live in the western forests. The precise geographical distribution of both species, however, is not yet known. In addition, in a recent study of M. murinus individuals with smaller body size, M. murinus myoxinus, have also been defined as a separate species M. myoxinus [6]. This view was strongly supported by (a) reports about hybrids between M. murinus and M. myoxinus which live sympatrically within the area under study and (b) the observed large genetic differences between the mitochondrial DNA of individuals of both species [Leipoldt, pers. commun.]. Further support that M. murinus, M. rufus and M. myoxinus can be considered as distinct species has been provided by the polymorphism study using random polymorphic DNA (RAPD), where individuals could clearly be clustered into one of the three species [7, 8].
Cytogenetic studies revealed that other species of the subfamilies Cheirogaleinae have the same karyotype [9]. The obvious genetic and morphological differences among the Microcebus species, however, suggested the need of a cytogenetic study of M. myoxinus in order to test if chromosomal variation is also absent within all species of the genus Microcebus.
Materials and Methods
The subjects were 1 male and 1...