http://repository.hoarec.org:80/home/handle/123456789/225 2026-05-25T04:32:09Z http://repository.hoarec.org:80/home/handle/123456789/227 Title: Observation of an Atypical Hairless Free-Ranging Individual of Grivet Monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), at Wondo Genet Patch of Forest, Southern Ethiopia Authors: Mamo, Yosef; Alemu, Yitayal; Asefa, Addisu Abstract: This study documents the observation of a highly unusual hairless female grivet monkey (Chloro- cebus aethiops) at Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources Campus, Ethiopia, a phenomenon not previously documented in free-ranging populations in the region. Follow- ing an initial report from local community members of a “strange looking” monkey, systematic field observations were conducted over a six-month period at two-week intervals to assess the individual’s morphology, behavior, and interactions with conspecifics. The monkey displayed almost complete hairlessness, except for a small tuft on the tail, and weighed approximately 1.5 kg, substantively less than typical adults. Additionally, irregular white patches of depig- mentation were present on the upper left flank, with no signs of dermal irritation or lesions. Behavioral observations revealed distinctly atypical foraging and social patterns. Unlike other troop members, the individual primarily foraged near office and training areas, avoided res- idential zones, and rarely engaged in grooming or close social interactions. Other monkeys initially avoided it, though selective tolerance from one adult male was occasionally noted. The hairless individual exhibited thermoregulatory behaviors, such as lying on sun-warmed rooftops during cooler mornings, presumably to mitigate cold stress due to the absence of fur. The findings suggest that common causes of hair loss, including infection, nutrition, stress, or over-grooming, are implausible explanations. Instead, hairlessness likely stems from an under- lying genetic mutation or immunological dysfunction. This case underscores the importance of detailed documentation of rare morphological anomalies in wild primates; as these condi- tions may influence individual survival, social integration, and adaptive behaviors within both natural and human-modified environments. 2025-12-31T00:00:00Z http://repository.hoarec.org:80/home/handle/123456789/226 Title: Integrative taxonomic revision of endemic dwarf shrews from the Ethiopian Highlands Authors: Craig, Evan W.; Bryjová, Anna; Bryja, Josef; Meheretu, Yonas; Lavrenchenko, Leonid A. Abstract: The biodiversity of the Ethiopian Highlands features a significant level of endemism. Among itsdiverse fauna, the genus Crocidura (Soricidae), with many cryptic species, remains poorly documented,particularly for species of minute size. This study describes a newly discovered minute shrew – one of thesmallest mammals worldwide – and addresses the taxonomy of the so-called ‘Afromontane clade’ of Crocidurain Ethiopia. We combined extensive field sampling of recent and historical specimens with advanced geneticanalyses (genome skimming, Illumina sequencing, and cytb phylogenetics) and morphological examination(external and craniodental) to delineate the new species and address taxonomic affinities among other minuteCrocidura from Ethiopia. One of our newly collected forms represents a distinct genetic lineage, correspondingwith unique physical characteristics such as tail length and cranial features. Its discovery highlights the rich,yet still incompletely understood, mammalian diversity in the Ethiopian Highlands and underscores theimportance of integrating morphological and molecular data in taxonomic studies. 2025-08-20T00:00:00Z