Integrative taxonomic revision of endemic dwarf shrews from the Ethiopian Highlands

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.