Lukolela Praomys

discussion

Discussion: F. Petter (1975 c) and Chevret et al. (1994) recorded P. lukolelae from the Central African Republic, but the specimens we have seen from that series represent an undescribed species of Praomys in the P. tullbergi group (see also Lecompte et al., 2001, 2002 a, b) that has now been described as P. petteri (see that account). Up to 1990, P. lukolelae was represented only by the three specimens in the type series (Van der Straeten and Dudu, 1990), but we have examined 90 specimens from the Kisangani region that are morphologically closely similar to the three examples from Lukolela. Hatt (1934 b) described lukolelae as a subspecies of Praomys tullbergi, but its long and very slim hind feet, tip of short fifth digit extending only to base of digital pad of fourth digit, very large ears, cranial conformation, and molar dental patterns identify the specimens as a separate species. Citing those same traits, Musser and Carleton (1993) placed lukolelae in Malacomys, noting its close morphological similarity with verschureni, which had been described as a species of Malacomys and was still associated with that genus in the early 1990 s. Compared with Praomys, the species of Malac

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

distribution

Distribution: N Dem. Rep. Congo; recorded from the type locality and Kisangani region in Orientale (specimens in UCA).

Order Rodentia - Family Muridae

activity

Activity patterns. The Lukolela Soft-furred Mouse is nocturnal and terrestrial.

Muridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Muridae