A morphological assessment of Myosorex zinki, an endemic shrew on Mount Kilimanjaro

The specific status of Myosorex zinki is analyzed based on recently collected material from Mt. Kilimanjaro. M. Zinki historically has been viewed as a subspecies M, blarina, but is distinct from M. blarina in several cranial dimensions. The recently collected series exhibits no sexual dimorphism. Contrary to what past records have indicated, M.. Zinki is not restricted in occurrence on the mountain and is found in many habitats on Mt. Kilimanjaro including forest, heathland, and moorland near the edge of the alpine desert. This species remains the only endemic mammalian species to Mt. Kilimanjaro.