Systematics of the genus Mastomys (Thomas, 1915) (Rodentia: Muridae) - A review

An update of the systematics of the genus Mastomys is presented, based on a bibliographical analysis and recent results obtained in various fields. Seven species are considered, namely M. erythroleucus, M. coucha, M. shortridgei, M. natalensis, M. huberti, M. pernanus and M. verheyeni. M. hildebrandtii, listed by some authors, is considered here as species inquirenda, due to insufficient evidence. The main characteristics of these species are described, with special emphasis on the karyotype, which appears to be an especially informative, species-specific character in the genus. The known distribution of each species is mapped and the various intrageneric phylogenetic hypotheses are presented. The difficulties that remain in this group are listed, together with some directions in which further research should be carried on.