everal primer sets were described for PCR amplification of the Sry gene that became very suitable method for sex identification in mammals. We tested applicability of two primer sets for sex identification in one bat and 12 rodent species from Central Europe. Rapid DNA extraction with non-ionic detergents, which is very suitable for large-scale population studies, was used. Primers SRY-A from Pomp et al. (1995) did not amplify Sry fragment in males of Myotis myotis, four species of Microtus, and Clethrionomys glareolus, while amplification was successful in four species of Apodemus, two species of Mus, and Sciurus vulgaris. On the other hand, primers from Sánchez et al. (1996) gave clear Sry band in males of all tested species, only with one exception, i.e. male of Sciurus vulgaris.
Conventional and G- banded karyotypes are reported for three species of molossid bats from India (Chaerephon plicatus) and Senegal (Ch. pumilus, Mops condylurus). The chromosome diploid number 2n = 48 and the number of chromosomal arms FN = 54 were recorded, similarly as in the previous published reports on karyology of molossid bats from Thailand, East Malaysia, and Africa. A synopsis of karyotypes of bats of the family Molossidae is presented with comments on their chromosomal evolution.
We describe two new species of white-toothed shrews from south-western and central Ethiopia, based on recent collections and an application of morphological and genetic methods, Crocidura similiturba sp. nov. and Crocidura makeda sp. nov. Comparisons are provided with other Crocidura species known to occur in the country. Both new species are currently known only from the Ethiopian Highlands. Furthermore, we provide new geographical records and discuss biogeographical patterns in the country. New molecular data, even if based primarily on mitochondrial cytochrome b, suggests substantial divergence within afrotropical Suncus megalura, suggesting that the East African lineage might be considered separated at the species level – Suncus sorella (Thomas, 1897), stat. nov. Molecular data support a monophyly of the clade, grouping most Crocidura species endemic to Ethiopia (the East African subclade of the Old World clade), but also indicates additional colonisations of Ethiopian Plateau from East and Central Africa in the past. The remarkable number of endemics shows that Ethiopia is an important centre for the Crocidura radiation, as is the case for other groups of non-flying terrestrial vertebrates.