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{{Short description|Species of rodent}}
<!-- This article was auto-generated by [[User:Polbot]]. -->
{{Speciesbox
{{Taxobox
| name = Tete veld aethomys
| name = Tete veld aethomys
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{IUCN2008 |assessors=Taylor, P.J. & Coetzee, N. |year=2008 |title=Aethomys ineptus |id=44990 |downloaded=8 February 2009}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 13 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Child, M.F. |date=2016 |title=''Aethomys ineptus'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T44990A50596693 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T44990A50596693.en |access-date=13 November 2021}}</ref>
| regnum = [[Animalia]]
| genus = Aethomys
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
| species = ineptus
| authority = ([[Oldfield Thomas|Thomas]] & [[Robert Charles Wroughton|Wroughton]], 1908)
| classis = [[Mammalia]]
⚫
| synonyms = ''Aethomys chrysophilus ineptus''
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
| image = Aethomys ineptus 39871248 (cropped).jpg
| familia = [[Muridae]]
}}
| genus = ''[[Aethomys]]''
| species = '''''A. ineptus'''''
| binomial = ''Aethomys ineptus''
| binomial_authority = (Thomas & Wroughton, 1908)
⚫
| synonyms = ''Aethomys chrysophilus ineptus''}}


The '''Tete veld aethomys''' or '''Tete veld rat''' (''Aethomys ineptus'') is a species of [[rodent]] in the family [[Muridae]].<ref name = MSW3>{{MSW3 Muroidea | id = 13001193 | page = }}</ref>
The '''Tete veld aethomys''' or '''Tete veld rat''' ('''''Aethomys ineptus''''') is a species of [[rodent]] in the family [[Muridae]].<ref name = MSW3>{{MSW3 Muroidea | id = 13001193 | page = }}</ref>
It is found in [[South Africa]] and [[Swaziland]]. Its natural [[habitat]]s are temperate [[forest]]s, [[shrubland]], and [[grassland]]. The common name refers to the [[Type locality (biology)|type locality]], [[Tete]], on the [[Zambesi River]].
It is found in [[South Africa]] and [[Eswatini]]. Its natural [[habitat]]s are temperate [[forest]]s, [[shrubland]], and [[grassland]]. The common name refers to the [[Type locality (biology)|type locality]], [[Tete, Mozambique|Tete]], on the [[Zambesi River]].


==Description==
==Description==
The Tete veld rat is moderately sized, with a head-body length of {{convert|12|to|18|cm|abbr=on}}, an almost hairless tail measuring {{convert|14|to|17|cm|abbr=on}}, and a weight of {{convert|65|to|107|g|abbr=on}}. The fur is reddish-brown over most of the body, but ticked with blackish hairs, giving an overall shade varying from brown to cinnamon. The underparts are white or very pale grey, with the fur being sharply demarcated from that on the rest of the body.<ref name=Chimimba2008>{{cite journal |author1=Chimimba, C.T. |author2=Linsey, A.V. |lastauthoramp=yes | year = 2008 | title = ''Aethomys ineptus'' (Rodentia: Muridae) | journal = Mammalian Species | pages = Number 809: pp. 1–7 | doi = 10.1644/809.1}}</ref>
The Tete veld rat is moderately sized, with a head-body length of {{convert|12|to|18|cm|abbr=on}}, an almost hairless tail measuring {{convert|14|to|17|cm|abbr=on}}, and a weight of {{convert|65|to|107|g|abbr=on}}. The fur is reddish-brown over most of the body, but ticked with blackish hairs, giving an overall shade varying from brown to cinnamon. The underparts are white or very pale grey, with the fur being sharply demarcated from that on the rest of the body.<ref name=Chimimba2008>{{cite journal |author1=Chimimba, C.T. |author2=Linsey, A.V. |name-list-style=amp | year = 2008 | title = ''Aethomys ineptus'' (Rodentia: Muridae) | journal = Mammalian Species |volume=809 | pages = Number 809: pp. 1–7 | doi = 10.1644/809.1| doi-access = free }}</ref>


Tete veld rats are physically indistinguishable from the closely related [[red rock rat]]s, and were thought to represent a subspecies of the latter until as recently as 1998.<ref name=Chimimba1998>{{cite journal | author = Chimimba, C.T. | year = 1998 | title = A taxonomic synthesis of southern African ''Aethomys'' (Rodentia: Muridae) with a key to species | journal = Mammalia | volume = 62 | issue = 3 | url=http://www.deepdyve.com/lp/de-gruyter/a-taxonomic-synthesis-of-southern-african-aethomys-rodentia-muridae-adXXswW728 | pages = 427–437 | doi=10.1515/mamm.1998.62.3.427}}</ref> In that year, genetic analysis revealed that the two species were distinct, making the Tete veld rat an example of a [[cryptic species]]. Other than analysis of chromosomes or mitochondrial DNA, the two species can only be reliably distinguished by the shape of their [[spermatozoa]], which have an unusual spatulated shape in Tete veld rats.<ref name=Chimimba2008/>
Tete veld rats are physically indistinguishable from the closely related [[red rock rat]]s, and were thought to represent a subspecies of the latter until as recently as 1998.<ref name=Chimimba1998>{{cite journal | author = Chimimba, C.T. | year = 1998 | title = A taxonomic synthesis of southern African ''Aethomys'' (Rodentia: Muridae) with a key to species | journal = Mammalia | volume = 62 | issue = 3 | url=http://www.deepdyve.com/lp/de-gruyter/a-taxonomic-synthesis-of-southern-african-aethomys-rodentia-muridae-adXXswW728 | pages = 427–437 | doi=10.1515/mamm.1998.62.3.427| s2cid = 84622122 }}</ref> In that year, genetic analysis revealed that the two species were distinct, making the Tete veld rat an example of a [[cryptic species]]. Other than analysis of chromosomes or mitochondrial DNA, the two species can only be reliably distinguished by the shape of their [[spermatozoa]], which have an unusual spatulated shape in Tete veld rats.<ref name=Chimimba2008/>


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
Because of the extreme physical similarity between Tete veld rats and red rock rats, the exact range of the latter is unclear, and some areas may exist where both species are found together. However, the current best estimate suggests that Tete veld rats are found in [[Swaziland]] and northeastern [[South Africa]], where they are found in the [[North West (South African province)|North West]], [[Limpopo]], [[Mpumalanga]], [[Gauteng]], and [[KwaZulu-Natal]] provinces, and the northern part of [[Free State (South African province)|Free State]] province. They may also be found in some neighbouring regions of [[Mozambique]] and [[Botswana]], although this has yet to be confirmed.<ref name=iucn/><ref name=Chimimba2008/> They prefer environments with substantial cover, whether from low-lying vegetation or rocky outcrops. While they are typically found at elevations of over {{convert|1000|m|abbr=on}}, they can also be found at much lower altitudes, including coastal forests near [[Durban]].<ref name=Chimimba2008/>
Because of the extreme physical similarity between Tete veld rats and red rock rats, the exact range of the latter is unclear, and some areas may exist where both species are found together. However, the current best estimate suggests that Tete veld rats are found in [[Swaziland|Eswatini]] and northeastern [[South Africa]], where they are found in the [[North West (South African province)|North West]], [[Limpopo]], [[Mpumalanga]], [[Gauteng]], and [[KwaZulu-Natal]] provinces, and the northern part of [[Free State (South African province)|Free State]] province. They may also be found in some neighbouring regions of [[Mozambique]] and [[Botswana]], although this has yet to be confirmed.<ref name="iucn status 13 November 2021" /><ref name=Chimimba2008/> They prefer environments with substantial cover, whether from low-lying vegetation or rocky outcrops. While they are typically found at elevations of over {{convert|1000|m|abbr=on}}, they can also be found at much lower altitudes, including coastal forests near [[Durban]].<ref name=Chimimba2008/>


Although up to eight subspecies have previously been recognised, some evidence indicates a gradual [[cline (biology)|clinal]] change in physical features with latitude, meaning these subspecies may not be distinct and that the Tete veld rat is [[monotypic]].<ref name=Chimimba2001>{{cite journal | author = Chimimba, C.T. | year = 2001 | title = Geographic variation in the Tete veld rat ''Aethomys ineptus'' (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa | journal = Journal of Zoology | volume = 254 | issue = 1 | pages = 77–89 | doi = 10.1017/S0952836901000577}}</ref>
Although up to eight subspecies have previously been recognised, some evidence indicates a gradual [[cline (biology)|clinal]] change in physical features with latitude, meaning these subspecies may not be distinct and that the Tete veld rat is [[monotypic]].<ref name=Chimimba2001>{{cite journal | author = Chimimba, C.T. | year = 2001 | title = Geographic variation in the Tete veld rat ''Aethomys ineptus'' (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa | journal = Journal of Zoology | volume = 254 | issue = 1 | pages = 77–89 | doi = 10.1017/S0952836901000577}}</ref>


==Biology and behaviour==
==Biology and behaviour==
Tete veld rats are nocturnal and primarily herbivorous, feeding on a mix of vegetation, especially including seeds, although insects form up to 9% of their diet.<ref name=Chimimba2008/> Individuals inhabit nonexclusive home ranges between {{convert|1500|and|3000|m2|abbr=on}},<ref name=Kern1981>{{cite journal | author = Kern, N.G. | year = 1981 | title = The influence of fire on populations of small mammals of the Kruger National Park | journal = Koedoe | volume = 24 | issue = 1 | url=http://www.koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/624/653 | pages = 125–157 | doi=10.4102/koedoe.v24i1.624}}</ref> and the population density is relatively low, typically less than {{convert|18|/ha|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Chimimba2008/> It has been reported to be semi-arboreal in habits.<ref name=Monadjem1998>{{cite journal | author = Monadjem, A. | year = 1998 | title = Relative brain size of some southern African myomorph rodents | journal = African Journal of Zoology | volume = 33 | issue = 1 | url=http://content.ajarchive.org/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/00445096&CISOPTR=968&REC=10 | pages = 47–49}}</ref>
Tete veld rats are nocturnal and primarily herbivorous, feeding on a mix of vegetation, especially including seeds, although insects form up to 9% of their diet.<ref name=Chimimba2008/> Individuals inhabit nonexclusive home ranges between {{convert|1500|and|3000|m2|abbr=on}},<ref name=Kern1981>{{cite journal | author = Kern, N.G. | year = 1981 | title = The influence of fire on populations of small mammals of the Kruger National Park | journal = Koedoe | volume = 24 | issue = 1 | url=http://www.koedoe.co.za/index.php/koedoe/article/view/624/653 | pages = 125–157 | doi=10.4102/koedoe.v24i1.624| doi-access = free }}</ref> and the population density is relatively low, typically less than {{convert|18|/ha|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Chimimba2008/> It has been reported to be semi-arboreal in habits.<ref name=Monadjem1998>{{cite journal | author = Monadjem, A. | year = 1998 | title = Relative brain size of some southern African myomorph rodents | journal = African Journal of Zoology | volume = 33 | issue = 1 | url=http://content.ajarchive.org/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/00445096&CISOPTR=968&REC=10 | pages = 47–49| doi = 10.1080/02541858.1998.11448541 | doi-access = free }}</ref>


The rats breed in the summer and autumn,<ref name=Muteka2006>{{cite journal | author = Muteka, S.P.| year = 2006 | title = Reproductive seasonality in the Tete veld rat (''Aethomys ineptus'') (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa | journal = Journal of Zoology | volume = 270 | issue = 2 | pages = 314–322 | doi = 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00140.x|display-authors=etal}}</ref> and may give birth to up to two litters a year. Litters consist of up to three young.<ref name=Chimimba2008/> Based on the relatively small size of the male's [[testis|testes]], they have been suggested to be monogamous, with little competition between males.<ref name=Breed1995>{{cite journal | author = Breed, W.G. | year = 1995 | title = Spermatozoa of murid rodents from Africa: morphological diversity and evolutionary trends | journal = Journal of Zoology | volume = 237 | issue = 4 | pages = 625–651 | doi = 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb05019.x}}</ref>
The rats breed in the summer and autumn,<ref name=Muteka2006>{{cite journal | author = Muteka, S.P.| year = 2006 | title = Reproductive seasonality in the Tete veld rat (''Aethomys ineptus'') (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa | journal = Journal of Zoology | volume = 270 | issue = 2 | pages = 314–322 | doi = 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00140.x|display-authors=etal}}</ref> and may give birth to up to two litters a year. Litters consist of up to three young.<ref name=Chimimba2008/> Based on the relatively small size of the male's [[testis|testes]], they have been suggested to be monogamous, with little competition between males.<ref name=Breed1995>{{cite journal | author = Breed, W.G. | year = 1995 | title = Spermatozoa of murid rodents from Africa: morphological diversity and evolutionary trends | journal = Journal of Zoology | volume = 237 | issue = 4 | pages = 625–651 | doi = 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb05019.x}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Murinae (Aethomys–Chrotomys)}}
{{Murinae (Aethomys–Chrotomys)}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q648942}}


[[Category:Old World rats and mice]]
[[Category:Aethomys]]
[[Category:Animals described in 1908]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1908]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Oldfield Thomas]]
[[Category:Taxonomy articles created by Polbot]]

Latest revision as of 23:54, 28 January 2023

Tete veld aethomys
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Aethomys
Species:
A. ineptus
Binomial name
Aethomys ineptus
(Thomas & Wroughton, 1908)
Synonyms

Aethomys chrysophilus ineptus

The Tete veld aethomys or Tete veld rat (Aethomys ineptus) is a species of rodent in the family Muridae.[2] It is found in South Africa and Eswatini. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, shrubland, and grassland. The common name refers to the type locality, Tete, on the Zambesi River.

Description

[edit]

The Tete veld rat is moderately sized, with a head-body length of 12 to 18 cm (4.7 to 7.1 in), an almost hairless tail measuring 14 to 17 cm (5.5 to 6.7 in), and a weight of 65 to 107 g (2.3 to 3.8 oz). The fur is reddish-brown over most of the body, but ticked with blackish hairs, giving an overall shade varying from brown to cinnamon. The underparts are white or very pale grey, with the fur being sharply demarcated from that on the rest of the body.[3]

Tete veld rats are physically indistinguishable from the closely related red rock rats, and were thought to represent a subspecies of the latter until as recently as 1998.[4] In that year, genetic analysis revealed that the two species were distinct, making the Tete veld rat an example of a cryptic species. Other than analysis of chromosomes or mitochondrial DNA, the two species can only be reliably distinguished by the shape of their spermatozoa, which have an unusual spatulated shape in Tete veld rats.[3]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Because of the extreme physical similarity between Tete veld rats and red rock rats, the exact range of the latter is unclear, and some areas may exist where both species are found together. However, the current best estimate suggests that Tete veld rats are found in Eswatini and northeastern South Africa, where they are found in the North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, and the northern part of Free State province. They may also be found in some neighbouring regions of Mozambique and Botswana, although this has yet to be confirmed.[1][3] They prefer environments with substantial cover, whether from low-lying vegetation or rocky outcrops. While they are typically found at elevations of over 1,000 m (3,300 ft), they can also be found at much lower altitudes, including coastal forests near Durban.[3]

Although up to eight subspecies have previously been recognised, some evidence indicates a gradual clinal change in physical features with latitude, meaning these subspecies may not be distinct and that the Tete veld rat is monotypic.[5]

Biology and behaviour

[edit]

Tete veld rats are nocturnal and primarily herbivorous, feeding on a mix of vegetation, especially including seeds, although insects form up to 9% of their diet.[3] Individuals inhabit nonexclusive home ranges between 1,500 and 3,000 m2 (16,000 and 32,000 sq ft),[6] and the population density is relatively low, typically less than 18/ha (7.3/acre).[3] It has been reported to be semi-arboreal in habits.[7]

The rats breed in the summer and autumn,[8] and may give birth to up to two litters a year. Litters consist of up to three young.[3] Based on the relatively small size of the male's testes, they have been suggested to be monogamous, with little competition between males.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Child, M.F. (2016). "Aethomys ineptus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T44990A50596693. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T44990A50596693.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ Musser, G. G.; Carleton, M. D. (2005). "Superfamily Muroidea". In Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. 894–1531. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Chimimba, C.T. & Linsey, A.V. (2008). "Aethomys ineptus (Rodentia: Muridae)". Mammalian Species. 809: Number 809: pp. 1–7. doi:10.1644/809.1.
  4. ^ Chimimba, C.T. (1998). "A taxonomic synthesis of southern African Aethomys (Rodentia: Muridae) with a key to species". Mammalia. 62 (3): 427–437. doi:10.1515/mamm.1998.62.3.427. S2CID 84622122.
  5. ^ Chimimba, C.T. (2001). "Geographic variation in the Tete veld rat Aethomys ineptus (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa". Journal of Zoology. 254 (1): 77–89. doi:10.1017/S0952836901000577.
  6. ^ Kern, N.G. (1981). "The influence of fire on populations of small mammals of the Kruger National Park". Koedoe. 24 (1): 125–157. doi:10.4102/koedoe.v24i1.624.
  7. ^ Monadjem, A. (1998). "Relative brain size of some southern African myomorph rodents". African Journal of Zoology. 33 (1): 47–49. doi:10.1080/02541858.1998.11448541.
  8. ^ Muteka, S.P.; et al. (2006). "Reproductive seasonality in the Tete veld rat (Aethomys ineptus) (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa". Journal of Zoology. 270 (2): 314–322. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.2006.00140.x.
  9. ^ Breed, W.G. (1995). "Spermatozoa of murid rodents from Africa: morphological diversity and evolutionary trends". Journal of Zoology. 237 (4): 625–651. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1995.tb05019.x.
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