Contribution to the phylogeography of the garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus)

peer reviewedproject n° POCTI/BSE/36626/9

Zoogeography of the chromosomal races of the garden dormouse, Eliomys quercinus, in France

project n° POCTI/BSE/36626/9

Phylogeography and taxonomy of woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) populations from Western Palearctic: RFLP of the mtDNA variability

peer reviewe

A first insight into the genetic structure (karyotype and mtDNA) of the insular black rats of western Europe

peer reviewedThe colonisation of Europe by the black rat (Rattus rattus) dates back only to the Roman times. This rodent is now widespread all over the continent as well as on many islands where it was introduced by man. In some instances, insular populations are morphologically differentiated by their greater size. In order to study the possible origin of these insular populations, rats were caught on many Mediterranean (Sicily, Sardinia, Lavezzi, Corsica, Elba, Porquerolles) and Atlantic islands (Ré, Oléron, Azores) and compared to animals from continental Europe (Spain), and Africa (Tunisia, Benin). Their karyotype was determined and their mtDNA restriction patterns studied using the HAE III and RSA I endonucleases and a polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. These patterns appear very similar to each other though one of them is specific to the African animals, probably indicating that Europe and Africa were colonised by different strains

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Contact Zones Between Chromosomal Races of House Mice, Mus musculus domesticus, on Madeira Island

International audienceAnalysis of contact zones between parapatric chromosomal races can help our understanding of chromosomal divergence and its influence on the speciation process. Monitoring the position and any movement of contact zones can allow particular insights. This study investigates the present (2012–2014) and past (1998–2002) distribution of two parapatric house mouse chromosomal races—PEDC (Estreito da Calheta) and PADC (Achadas da Cruz)—on Madeira Island, aiming to identify changes in the location and width of their contact. We also extended the 1998–2002 sampling area into the range of another chromosomal race—PLDB (Lugar de Baixo). Clinal analysis indicates no major geographic alterations in the distribution and chromosomal characteristics of the PEDC and PADC races but exhibited a significant shift in position of the Rb (7.15) fusion, resulting in the narrowing of the contact zone over a 10+ year period. We discuss how this long-lasting contact zone highlights the role of landscape on mouse movements, in turn influencing the chromosomal characteristics of populations. The expansion of the sampling area revealed new chromosomal features in the north and a new contact zone in the southern range involving the PEDC and PLDB races. We discuss how different interacting mechanisms (landscape resistance, behaviour, chromosomal incompatibilities, meiotic drive) may help to explain the pattern of chromosomal variation at these contacts between chromosomal race

Notes of the flea fauna (Insecta, Siphonaptera) of the terrestrial azorean mammals

peer reviewedDuring three successive years, field samplings of wild mammals were organised on different Azorean islands and the ectoparastes were collected. Among 340 murid rodents, 31 did bear at least one flea. Nosopsyllus l. londiniensis has been found on the mouse in São Miguel. Stenoponia t. tripectinata has been discovered in Terceira and in São Miguel, mainly on house mice and on one black rat out of 121. Nosopsyllus fasciatus was present on the mouse and on both the black and the Norway rats. Its presence has been evidenced in four islands: São Miguel, Terceira, Graciosa and Flores. Numerous rabbits were also examined in the visited islands (São Miguel, Terceira, Pico, São Jorge, Faial and Flores) and were found heavily parasited by their commonest flea, Spilopsyllus cuniculi. In Flores, however, that flea seems to be lacking. Though no systematic search has been done on domestic animals, the presence of Ctenocephalides f. felis is also reported from Flores, Terceira and Graciosa whereas C. canis has been found on a dog in Florès. The flea fauna of the Azorean archipelago is therefore characterized by a few species amongst the most cosmopolitan one