Current status of the Peromyscus mexicanus complex in Oaxaca, México

Abstract

The physiographic, climatic, and ecological characteristics of the mountainous regions of Oaxaca are unique and host geographically isolated populations of Peromyscus mexicanus.  Populations of P. mexicanus from the Sierra Madre del Sur in the Gulf side (SMG) and Pacific side (SMP), Oaxaca, were compared at the craniodental and molecular genetic levels (cytochrome b sequences).  The geographic isolation of both sides of the Sierra Madre del Sur are expected to have led to genetic isolation between populations of P. mexicanus in each area and from populations of eastern México.  Our results show that the Oaxacan SMG and SMP populations are genetically different, as are populations of eastern México.  Populations in the Oaxaca SMG-SMP are more genetically similar to P. gymnotis than to P. mexicanus from eastern México.  We recommend that the Oaxacan SMG population be classified as P. totontepecus and the SMP population as P. angelensis, with the Putla population, which is morphologically and morphometrically different, as the subspecies, P. a. putlaensis.