Disentangling the taxonomic status of Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) populations inhabiting northern areas of la Rioja Province, Argentina

Abstract

The Ctenomys population from Anillaco, La Rioja Province, Argentina has been the subject of detailed studies of circadian rhythms, vocalization, ecology and spatial dynamics. However, the taxonomy and systematics of this population as well as populations of Ctenomys inhabiting Andean areas of this province is unknown. In this study, we present the phylogenetic relationship of the "Anillaco tuco-tuco"as well as of two other populations of Ctenomys, all distributed in the northern portion of La Rioja Province, Argentina. Based on molecular analyses and morphological comparisons, we reached to the conclusion that the "Anillaco tuco-tuco"population corresponds to the species Ctenomys famosus. In addition, an undescribed species, member of the "mendocinus"lineage of Ctenomys, is recognized in the Andean portions of the province.