White-toothed shrews (Mammalia, Soricomorpha, Crocidura) of coastal islands of Vietnam

New findings of the white-toothed shrews (Crocidura spp.) from offshore islands of Vietnam are reported. The species identifications have been confirmed by the analysis of complete mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140 bp). Crocidura phuquocensis is the only species found in the Phu Quoc Island. Crocidura fuliginosa has been recorded from two islands of the Con Dao Archipelago (Con Son and Bai Canh). The occurrence of Crocidura fuliginosa in Vietnam has been genetically confirmed for the first time. Crocidura attenuata has been collected from the Cat Ba Island for the first time, and this finding corresponds well with the proposal that the species' distribution is confined to the north and east of the Red River only.     

Barcoding,molecular taxonomy,and exploration of the diversity of shrews (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) on Mount Nimba (Guinea)

We tested the efficiency of cytochrome oxidase I (COI)‐barcoding as a taxonomic tool to discriminate and identify sympatric shrew species on Mount Nimba (Guinea). We identified 148 specimens at the species level using morphological characters and comparison with type specimens, including several taxa from Mount Nimba. We identified ten morphospecies and tested aspects of genetic diversity and monophyly using genetic data from three mitochondrial (16S, cytochrome b, and COI) and one nuclear marker (the breast cancer gene, BRCA). Nine morphospecies were validated under the phylogenetic and genetic species concepts, including the recently diverged species Crocidura buettikoferi, Crocidura theresae, and Crocidura grandiceps. Under the same concepts, our analyses revealed the presence of two cryptic species amongst animals identified as Crocidura muricauda. We then tested the efficiency of barcoding thanks to commonly used phenetic methods, with the 148 specimens representing 11 potentially valid species based on morphological and molecular data. We show that COI‐barcoding is a powerful tool for shrew identification and can be used for taxonomic surveys. The comparison of genetic divergence values shows the presence of a barcoding gap (i.e. difference between the highest intraspecific and the lowest interspecific genetic divergence values). Given that only a few COI sequences are available for Afrotropical shrews, our work is an important step forward toward their enrichment. We also tested the efficiency of the three other sequenced markers and found that cytochrome b is as efficient as COI for barcoding shrews. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 166 , 672–687.     

河南信阳发现台湾灰麝鼩北大核心CSCD

于2013年和2018年在河南信阳新县与浉河共采集到3号鼩鼱成年个体标本,基于齿色特征初步鉴定为劳亚食虫目鼩鼱科麝鼩属(Crocidura)物种。对所采3号标本的Cyt b基因进行PCR扩增和测序,测序结果与GenBank数据库进行比对,并通过构建系统发育关系树进一步明确所采3只标本的分类地位。根据标本形态、头骨特征,结合分子生物学证据,确定该物种为台湾灰麝鼩(C.tanakae),为河南哺乳动物分布新记录种。标本现存于郑州大学生物多样性与生态学研究所(编号分别为IBE20131005、IBE2018100501和IBE2018100502)。     

Molecular phylogeny of short-tailed shrews, Blarina (Insectivora: Soricidae)

Phylogenetic relationships among the three described species of short-tailed shrews (genus Blarina) were inferred based on mitochondrial DNA sequences of 16S rRNA (506 bp) and cytochrome b (1137 bp) from 38 specimens representing B. brevicauda, B. hylophaga, and B. carolinensis, from across their range in North America. Phylogenetic analyses of both data sets combined followed tests showing lack of incongruence between these fragments. Analysis of substitution patterns indicated saturation of transitions at third codon positions in cytochrome b when Blarina sequences were compared to those of Sorex and Cryptotis, used as outgroups. Maximum-likelihood and weighted parsimony supported the monophyly of the genus and placed B. hylophaga as its basal branch, sister to B. brevicauda + B. carolinensis. Phylogeographic analysis revealed a significant partition between eastern and western populations of B. carolinensis and B. brevicauda, on either side of the Mississippi basin. These results are discussed in relation to cytogenetic, morphological, and fossil data.     

Use of phylogeny to resolve the taxonomy of the widespread and highly polymorphic African giant shrews (Crocidura olivieri group, Crocidurinae, Mammalia)

The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the genetic relationships within the widespread and highly polymorphic group of African giant shrews (Crocidura olivieri group). We sequenced 769 base pairs (bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and 472 bp of the mitochondrial control region over the entire geographic range from South Africa to Morocco. The analyses reveal four main clades associated with different biomes. The largest clade occurs over a range covering Northwest and Central Africa and includes samples of C. fulvastra, C. olivieri, and C. viaria. The second clade is composed of C. goliath from Gabon, while South African C. flavescens, and C. hirta form two additional clades. On the basis of these results, the validity of some taxa in the C. olivieri group should be re-evaluated.     

Comparative aspects of lipid metabolism in two shrews (Suncus etruscus and Crocidura russula).

1. The amounts of tissue lipids were higher in S. etruscus than in C. russula. 2. The level of liver phospholipids was specially low in C. russula, 2650 mg/100 g as opposed to 3725 g in S. etruscus. 3. This is in good agreement with a reduced rate of the labelled acetate incorporation into the lipids of C. russula. 4. The proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was greater in the liver of S. etruscus; however, the percentage of arachidonic acid was higher in C. russula--15% as opposed to 8%.     

Systematics of white-toothed shrews (Crocidura) (Mammalia: Insectivora: Soricidae) of Taiwan: Karyological and morphological Studies

We define the species boundaries of white-toothed shrews (genus Crocidura ) in Taiwan using karyological and morphological characteristics. Ninety-nine animals were obtained from all over Taiwan at capture rates usually less than 10%. Three species are recognized by distinct cytotypes: Crocidura attenuata tanakae 2n = 40, FN = 56; Crocidura suaveolens hosletti 2n = 40, FN = 50; Crocidura kurodai 2n = 40, FN = 54. A suite of six morphological characters diagnose the three species: shape of skull, position of incisive foramina, shape of fourth upper premolar, shape of pinna, tail vibrissae, and foot pads. A species key and notes on the life history of each species are provided. Finally, we discuss chromosomal evolution and biolgeography of Crocidura in East and South East Asia.     

Helminth associations in white-toothed shrews Crocidura russula (Insectivora: Soricidae) from the Albufera Natural Park, Spain

The helminths of 218 white-toothed shrews from 29 sites in 2 biotopes in the Albufera Natural Park (Valencia, Spain) were examined from July 1990 to August 1991. An association analysis of helminths occurring at a prevalence of more than 4% was carried out for 4 species of cestodes located in the intestine (Hymenolepis pistillum, H. scalaris, H. tiara, and Pseudhymenolepis redonica) and 3 species of nematodes (Pseudophysaloptera sp. located in the stomach, Stammerinema rhopocephala larvae in the intestine and abdominal cavity, and Porrocaecum sp. in the thoracic and abdominal cavities). Bivariate (species pairs) versus multivariate analyses (associations within the entire set of species) were performed of presence-absence and of quantitative records (influence of intensity on associations). The associations were evaluated with respect to the sex and age of the host and to the sampling date and sites. The host and environment played a limited role, and the major determinant of species assemblage was phylogenetic. Positive associations were found among both the cestodes and the nematodes, whereas negative associations were found between cestodes and nematodes. The type of life cycle was probably the second greatest determinant of species associations. Nematodes using shrews as a paratenic host or as their definitive host were both positively associated.     

安徽黄山和宣城发现台湾灰麝鼩

2018年11月在安徽省黄山市太平湖国家湿地公园(30°34′42″N,118°41′47″E)和宣城市旌德县蔡家桥镇(30°21′26″N,118°30′11″E)的针阔混交林采集到3只麝鼩属小型兽类。3只个体体型较小,体重11～14 g;背毛灰褐色,腹部毛色稍淡;尾短而粗壮,上下异色,基部2/3散生稀疏的长刚毛,这些特征与台湾灰麝鼩(Crocidura tanakae)描述一致。基于Cyt b全序列构建的最大似然树显示,这3号标本与从GenBank下载的台湾灰麝鼩(GenBank登录号KX946002～KX946006、AB175080、AB175081)构成单系群(支持率为100%)。这3号标本Cyt b全序列与台湾灰麝鼩地模标本(GenBank登录号AB175080、AB175081)的遗传距离在0.76%～0.85%之间。基于以上结果,确定这3号标本为台湾灰麝鼩,这是该物种在安徽省的首次发现,也是其在华东地区的首个分布记录。     

The distribution of endocrine cells in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract of the house musk shrew,Suncus murinus (Insectivora)

Summary The distribution of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus (Family Soricidae, Order Insectivora) was studied immunohistochemically. The hormones investigated were gastrin, cholecystokinin (CCK), somatostatin, secretin, glucagon, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), motilin and neurotensin. In the gastric mucosa, gastrin and somatostatin cells were only found in the pyloric regions, and no other hormonal cell-types were observed. In the intestinal mucosa, the largest number of endocrine cells belonged to the gastrin and glucagon/glicentin cell-types, whereas CCK-33/39 and secretin cells were the least numerous. Numbers of other cell-types were intermediate between these two groups. The gastrin and GIP cells were mostly localized in the proximal portion of the intestine, decreasing in number towards the distal portion. The motilin and CCK-33/39 cells were restricted to the proximal half. The glucagon/glicentin and neurotensin cells were most abundant in the middle portion. The somatostatin and secretin cells, although only present in small numbers, were randomly distributed throughout the intestine. This characteristic distribution of gastrointestinal endocrine cells is discussed in comparison with the distribution patterns of other mammals.Dr. Munemitsu Hoshino, who was Professor of the Department of Pathology and directed this study, passed away on May 23rd 1988     

中国浙江麝鼩属(劳亚食虫目:鼩鼱科)一新种描记

2017年8月,在浙江省拟建淳安磨心尖省级自然保护区和拟建东阳市东江源省级自然保护区捕获麝鼩属（Crocidura）共5号标本。基于线粒体细胞色素b基因构建的系统发育树显示采集于浙江的麝鼩属样本与大麝鼩（Crocidura lasiura）和日本麝鼩（Crocidura dsinezumi）构成姊妹群,遗传距离最近,而与中国西南部分布的小体型印支小麝鼩（Crocidura indochinensis）、五指山小麝鼩（Crocidura wuchihensis）及东北部分布的山东小麝鼩（Crocidua shantungensis）、北小麝鼩（Crocidua suaveolens）亲缘关系较远,其遗传距离分别为0.114、0.124、0.139和0.144。这些样本与麝鼩属其他物种之间的遗传距离在0.101~0.155之间,最小遗传距离出现在来自浙江的样本和大麝鼩之间,最大遗传距离在浙江样本与中麝鼩之间。形态上,采集于浙江的麝鼩属标本个体小,体长48~61mm（平均：55.60mm）,尾长35~49mm（平均：43.14mm）;尾长与体长之比72.92%~80.36%;尾近乎裸露,尾基1/3~1/2着生稀疏长毛;尾上下双色,背部黑褐色,腹部较淡;颅较短,颅全长15.60~17.16mm（平均：16.46mm）,与中国东北部分布的山东小麝鼩和北小麝鼩相近又有区别,与已知其它麝鼩属物种形态差异较大;综合形态和系统发育关系证实采集于浙江的麝鼩属物种为一新物种,命名为东阳江麝鼩（Crocidura dongyangjiangensis Liu Y, Chen SD, and Liu SY sp. nov.）。本文对其形态、栖息环境和与近缘种的区别进行了详细记述。     

云南兽类鼩鼱科一新纪录——台湾灰麝鼩

于2006年10月及2015年8月在中国云南省采集到台湾灰麝鼩(Crocidura tanakae Kuroda,1938)3号成体标本。1号雄性与1号雌性的标本来自屏边县大围山自然保护区(22°53′59″N,103°41′23″E,2 088 m),另1号雌性标本采自富宁县里达镇半边箐(23°28′11"N,105°35′59″E,1 442 m)。其尾毛长而稀疏,尾长变异大,后足宽大,后足足底和掌外侧垫突出、聚集且呈圆形,这些特征与模式产地的标本吻合。其线粒体Cyt b与地模标本的遗传距离为1.6%。采集地生境为原生林与次生林交界处和落叶季雨林。     

Coccidia in the mammary glands of shrews (Order: Insectivora)

Three of 6 female long-clawed shrews, Sorex unguiculatus Dobson, 1890, collected on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, were found to have unsporulated oocysts and sexual stages (both macro- and microgamonts) in varying stages of development of an unidentified coccidium in both lactating and nonlactating mammary glands. Gamonts developed in the alveoli of the mammary glands, and oocysts were found in the lactiferous ducts and in pools of milk. Mature macrogamonts were 11.9 x 15.2 microm (10-14 x 14-20 microm), whereas completely developed microgamonts with many gametes were 14.8 x 16.8 microm (10-18 x 13-20 microm). Oocysts in tissue sections were 19.5 x 13.8 microm and had a smooth outer wall that was <1 microm thick. Little histopathology was associated with the infections. Infected cells were enlarged and appeared cloudy, and in some areas there was leucocytic infiltration by macrophages, small and large lymphocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils. No basophil was seen. We also found sections of a nematode, probably a Mammanidula sp., in sections of an active mammary gland in 1 of the shrews not infected with the coccidium.     

湖北省兽类新纪录-台湾灰麝鼩

<正>台湾灰麝鼩(Crocidura tanakae Kuroda,1938)属于鼩形目(Soricomorpha)鼩鼱科(Soricidae)麝鼩属,在台湾地区分布较广(Fang et al.,1997),其模式标本产于台湾台中市南投县。其后,Ellerman和Morrison-Scott (1951)等认为其是灰麝鼩(Crocidura attenuata)的亚种或同物异名(Ellerman     

Post-Pleistocene evolution of Bornean shrews Crocidura foetida (Mammalia, Soricidae)

Fossil mandibles of the Bornean shrew Crocidura foetida recovered from excavations at the west mouth of Niah cave, Sarawak, Malaysia, show that the late Pleistocene population at this lowland location was comparable in size with the large subspecies Crocidura foetida doriae , presently occurring at inland, upland locations. Two Holocene specimens fall in the size range of the smaller lowland subspecies C. f. foetida . Comparable post-Pleistocene size-reduction is known among other mammals of Borneo, but this is the first instance of dated examples. The evolutionary trend conforms with Bergmann's 'rule' but, other than climate change, no selective agent is apparent.  © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2008, 94 , 413–419.     

Genetic relationship among the musk shrews,Suncus murinus insectivora,inhabiting islands and the continent based on mitochondrial DNA types

Cleavage patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) by restriction endonucleases were examined in musk shrews collected at six trapping sites on two Japanese and two Indonesian islands, on Sri Lanka, situated close to the Indian subcontinent, and on the mainland of East Bengal in Bangladesh. No variation of mtDNAs was found among the Japanese and Indonesian shrews, despite their geographical isolation by the sea. In contrast, at least six mtDNA types were present in the Sri Lanka and the Bangladesh populations (three types for each), and these two populations seemed to be differentiated to the extent, which could be compared to the mice-intersubspecific differences. These populations were also differentiated from the Japanese-Indonesian type. Furthermore, a similar level of differentiation was also estimated between two mtDNA types within these respective populations. This feral species might be considered unique because of its high emigration rate caused by human movements and its high rate of subspecific hybridization.     

北小麝鼩的代谢产热和体温调节特征

为探讨食虫目小型哺乳动物的代谢产热和体温调节特征,本文采用封闭式流体压力呼吸仪测定了北小麝鼩在环境温度5 ～ 30℃下的静止代谢率(RMR),结果显示:在环境温度(Ta)为17 5 ～25℃ 的范围内,北小麝鼩的体温基本维持恒定,平均体温为36.55 ± 0.38℃ ;热中性区(TNZ) 为20 ～ 25℃ ;基础代谢率BMR 为5.46 ±0.23 (mLO₂ /g· h),其中环境温度在25℃ 时静止代谢率最低,为4.84 ± 0.39 (mLO₂ /g· h)。在5 ～ 25℃环境温度范围内,热传导值保持稳定;在此温度范围内,北小麝鼩的热传导率(C) 最低,平均为0.42 ± 0.01mLO₂ / (g·h·℃ )。总之,北小麝鼩的产热和体温调节特征为较高的BMR,中等的热传导率,较低的体温和较宽的热中性区。这些特征可能与该物种体型小、夜行性、主要以无脊椎动物为食等生活习性密切相关。