Reassessing the diversity and distribution of African rope squirrels ( Funisciurus Trouessart, 1880) in the Congo Basin

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ID: 333611
2026
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Abstract
Abstract The taxonomy, distribution, and ecology of sub-Saharan squirrels are poorly documented. This study focuses on the diversity and distribution of rope squirrels (Funisciurus Trouessart, 1880) in the Congo Basin. We compiled the most comprehensive genetic (n = 397 sequences) and morphometric (n = 219 measured skulls) dataset to date, covering much of their geographical and taxonomic range. Analysis of mitochondrial markers recovered 10 MOTUs (Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit), nuclear markers 2 MOTUs, and morphometrics 5 Operational Taxonomic Units. Integrating this evidence suggests at least six species-level lineages in our dataset: four allopatric taxa related to F. anerythrus; four genetically different taxa (of which two are sympatric species) that resemble F. cf. bayonii; one taxon corresponding to F. pyrropus akka de Winton, 1895; one morphologically distinct taxon that resembles F. cf. congicus; and one unidentified taxon. Their distributional ranges reveal that the Congo and Kasaï Rivers act as major biogeographical barriers, suggesting that they originated by allopatric speciation. Our findings provide a baseline for studying the effects of habitat loss on rope squirrel populations in the Congo Basin and inform research into their role as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, including mpox virus.
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Authors Pascal Baelo, Léa Fourchault, Ann Ceulemans, Nicolas Laurent, Claude Mande, Anne Marie Laudisoit, Nicaise Drazo Amundala, Ganiyat Temidayo Saliu, Herwig Leirs, Guy‐Crispin Gembu, Sophie Gryseels, J. Hulselmans, Erik Verheyen, Joachim Mariën
Journal journal of mammalogy
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/jmammal/gyag084
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyag084
Keywords Keywords not found

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