taxonID	type	description	language	source
3C3587DEFF86457D7DCCF9910B9B93B1.taxon	description	Figs 5, 6, 17; Table 9 Cheesman’s Vlei Rat	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF86457D7DCCF9910B9B93B1.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. BMNH 1937.2.24.84; adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 7400; collected by R. E. Cheesman, 20 October 1937. Type locality. Ethiopia, vicinity of Dangila, 66 km S Lake Tana, 2100 m; 11 ° 16 ’ N, 36 ° 51 ’ E.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF86457D7DCCF9910B9B93B1.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The largest representative of the Otomys typus species complex, differing from all other members by its distinctly larger and more robust skull with short and broad nasal bones, broad, angular and thickened zygomatic arches, very well developed supraorbital and parietal ridges and relatively very narrow interorbital region (referred to “ Sp. C ” above; see Figs 5, 6, 17 and Tables 7, 9). Paratypes. BMNH 28.1. 11.117 (adult female, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 6040), BMNH 28.1. 11.174 (adult male; dry skin and skull, collector’s number 6078), BMNH 28.1. 11.175 (subadult male, dry skin and skull), BMNH 28.1. 11.176 (subadult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 6366), BMNH 28.1. 11.177 (adult female; dry skin and skull, collector’s number 6040), BMNH 28.1. 11.178 (adult female, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 6070), BMNH 28.1. 11.179 (adult female, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 6165), BMNH 1937.2. 24.82 (adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 7383), BMNH 1937.2. 24.83 (adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 7387), BMNH 1937.2. 24.85 (adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 7404), BMNH 1937.2. 24.86 (adult female, dry skin and skull) — all 11 from the type locality, collected by R. E. Cheesman between 1926 and 1937; BMNH 70.657 (Ethiopia, Gojam, Debra Marcos, 2500 m; 10 ° 20 ’ N, 37 ° 46 ’ E; collected by Great Abbai Expedition, 19 August 1968).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF86457D7DCCF9910B9B93B1.taxon	description	Description. The dorsal pelage of O. cheesmani is bright brown with a reddish shade. Ventral pelage is pale yellowish-grey, the individual hairs yellow tipped and grey at the base. The ears are blackish, their inner surface covered with short rufous hairs. The dorsal surface of the forefeet and hindfeet is dark grey; the claws are grey. The tail is relatively short (49.3 % of HB). The caudal hairs are blackish on the upper surface and pale yellowish on the lower surface; however, the tail does not appear distinctly bicoloured. The robust skull of O. cheesmani (Fig. 17) is reflected in the large means recorded for most cranial dimensions, which exceed those of all other representatives of the O. typus complex except for interorbital width (Table 9). Although the observed ranges of certain external and cranial variables overlap, four cranial variables do not overlap in size: GLS (43.3 – 48.2 mm versus 34.3 – 43.3 mm); MXTL (11.0 – 12.0 mm versus 8.1 – 10.5 mm); NAW (8.0 – 9.0 mm versus 5.8 – 8.0 mm); PL (23.6 – 26.2 mm versus 16.7 – 23.6 mm) (Table 9). The anterior face of the lower incisor has two well defined and equally deep grooves. The upper third molar has 8 or 9 complete laminae (9 in the holotype) and the lower first molar 4 complete laminae.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF86457D7DCCF9910B9B93B1.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from two localities in northwestern Ethiopia, 2100 – 2500 m (see above).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF86457D7DCCF9910B9B93B1.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology. The type locality currently represents a true agricultural landscape, presumably much transformed from the time when Cheesman collected the series. The holotype and paratypes of O. cheesmani were supposedly collected in an intrazonal wetland habitat. The specimen from Debra Marcos (BMNH 70.657) was captured in low Acacia scrub. Otomys cheesmani occupies lower elevations (2100 – 2500 m) than other Ethiopian Otomys (excluding the rainforest dweller O. fortior). Nevertheless, habitat requirements of this new species remain unclear.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF86457D7DCCF9910B9B93B1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. We selected the specific epithet to recognize Robert E. Cheesman (1878 – 1962), who collected the holotype and topotypic series of this distinctive species of Otomys. Cheesman was a British military and diplomatic officer in the Middle East, Arabian Peninsula, and nearby Africa, and like many other professionals of this era, he developed broad interests in the geography and natural history of the lands where he worked. During his service as Consul in North-West Abyssinia, Cheesman not only explored the source of the Blue Nile and surveyed its course from Lake Tana to the Sudan border (Lake Tana and the Blue Nile: An Abyssinian Quest by R. E. Cheesman, 1936; Macmillan: London, 400 pp.), but also found time to collect bird and mammal specimens for the British Museum. The species name combines the surname Cheesman and genitive singular case-ending “ i ” indicative of masculine gender.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF87457A7DCCF9F10F319686.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Alpine habitats, ca. 3300 – 4400 m, of the Ruwenzori Mountains, southwestern Uganda and contiguous eastern D. R. Congo. Specimens examined. D. R. CONGO: Blanc (RMCA 1095); Kalindera Masereka (RMCA 82011 - M 827); Virungas, Albert National Park, Wusuwameso, 4380 m (RMCA 82011 - M 830, 82011 - M 831). UGANDA: Ruwenzori East, Mubuku Valley, 12,500 ft (3810 m) (BMNH 6.7.1.62 – 6.7.1.65); Kasese District, Ruwenzoris, left bank Bujuku River, 11,050 ft (3368.04 m) (FMNH 144327, 144328, 144330); Kasese District, Ruwenzoris, above Lake Bujuku, 13,050 ft (3977.64 m) (FMNH 144334 – 144336, 144338, 144341, 144342).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF80457A7DCCFEA90E59950C.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Restricted to montane evergreen forests in the southwestern regions of Ethiopia (see OTU 2 in Fig. 1 a). Although specimens from Jimma are assigned provisionally to O. fortior based on geographic and ecological proximity, we note that morphometrically this series is characterized by large cranial size making them comparable with specimens from “ Sp. C ” from the Lake Tana region of central Ethiopia. Specimens examined. ETHIOPIA: Kaffa, Charada Forest, 6,000 ft (1828.8 m) (BMNH 6.11.1.29); Beletta Forest (ZMMU 164960 – 164965, 166072); Sheko Forest (ZMMU 167310); Oromiya, Jimma, 1750 m (USNM 515058 – 515064, 516317, 516507); Inegawa Forest, 20 km N of Tepi, 2340 m (ZMMU 181665 – 181667).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF80457A7DCCFC340E3A9006.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Alpine habitats in Bale Mountains and Arussi Plateau, possibly extending southwards to include localities such as Malka (see OTU 3 in Fig. 1 a). Specimens examined. ETHIOPIA: Arussi Plateau, Mount Albasso (BMNH 29.11.7.82, 29.11.7.83; FMNH 28125, 28126, 28129, 28132 – 28139, 28159 – 28164; USNM 259506); Bale Mountains (BMNH 72.1229, 72.1300, 72.1302, 72.1304, 72.1307, 72.1308; LM 1986 - 212 - 6; SM 23340; ZMMU 162595 – 162601); Bale Mountains, Dinsho (MNHN 1972.218 – 1972.228; MCZ 57319); Chilalo (SM 35868, 35876, 35877, 35879, 35883, 35887).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF80457B7DCCF9290BAD9786.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Alpine zone, 3300 – 4200 m, of Mount Elgon, straddling the border of southeastern Uganda-westcentral Kenya. Specimens examined. UGANDA: Mount Elgon, crater, 3300 – 4200 m (BMNH 93.2. 3.34, 2.9.9.19, 35.2.22.37, 35.2.22.38); Mount Elgon, Kaburomi (MCZ 31368); Mount Elgon, Mude Cave camp, 3600 m (DM 6261).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8145787DCCFDA3083796A5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Discontinuous in alpine settings, ca. 2700 – 4200 m, on Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, central Kenya. Specimens examined. KENYA: Aberdare Mountains, summit, 11,000 ft (USNM 184033 – 184035), 12,500 ft (3810 m) (AMNH 80995); Aberdare Mountains, moorland (RMCA a 1.008 - M- 1123); Aberdares, Mount Kinangop, 12,000 ft (3658 m) (BMNH 10.5.3.41); Aberdare National Park, Fishing Lodge, 8,760, 9,000, and 9,500 ft (2670, 2743, and 2896 m) (USNM 589995 – 589997); Naivasha District, Lake Ol Bolossot (BMNH 12.7.1.431); Naivasha District, 12 mi S Lake Ol Bolossot, 8,700 ft (2652 m) (BMNH 12.7.1.424); Mount Kenya, Teleki Valley, 13,000 ft (3962 m) (BMNH 1900.2.1.21); Mount Kenya, west side, 10,700 ft (3261 m) (FMNH 43819, 43444; USNM 164308, 164346, 164357, 164358), 13,500 ft (4115 m) (USNM 164293 – 164295, 164297, 164329, 164332 – 164334), 13,700 ft (4157 m) (FMNH 43445, 43446; USNM 164300 – 164305, 164344, 164345), 14,600 ft (4450 m) (AMNH 80993), 15,000 ft (4572 m) (AMNH 82605 – 82607).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245787DCCFEC20F2B9157.taxon	description	Figs. 2 c, 5, 6, 17; Table 9 Simien Vlei Rat	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245787DCCFEC20F2B9157.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. ZMMU 178757; adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 1338; collected by L. A. Lavrenchenko, 4 May 2005. Type locality. Ethiopia, Simien Mountains National Park, vicinity of Sankaber campsite, 3250 m; 13 ° 14 ' N, 38 ° 03 ' E (GPS reading by collector).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245787DCCFEC20F2B9157.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. A small-sized representative of the O. typus species complex (referred to “ Sp. D ” above; see Figs. 5, 6, 17 and Tables 7, 9). Similar to O. yaldeni but considerably larger externally (HB mean 155 mm in simiensis, cf. 143 in yaldeni; tail means 83 mm and 72 mm respectively); skull having a narrower interorbital region, less pronounced supraorbital ridges, relatively longer nasal bones, and braincase with flatter dorsal profile (Fig. 17); karyotype distinctive (2 N = 54, NF = 56). Paratypes. ZMMU 178756 (adult female, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 1336); ZMMU 178758 (adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 1352); ZMMU 178759 (adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 1353); ZMMU 178762 (adult female, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 1429); all four specimens from the type locality, collected by L. A. Lavrenchenko between 4 and 20 May 2005.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245787DCCFEC20F2B9157.taxon	description	Description. The dorsal pelage is dark brown, with individual hairs having a blackish base, rufous subterminal band, and relatively narrow black tip. Among the guard hairs (17 mm), there are longer bristles (26 mm) that produce the effect of the double-layered fur. Ventral pelage is pale grey, the individual hairs grey at the base and tipped with pale whitish. The ears are blackish, their inner surface covered with short rufous hairs. Dorsal surfaces of the forefeet and hindfeet are dark grey, and the claws are grey. The tail is moderately long (53.4 % of HB) and appears distinctly bicoloured, the dorsal caudal hairs relatively long and blackish in contrast to the white ventral hairs. The skull resembles most other members of the O. typus complex, having a relatively narrow interorbital region, reduced supraorbital ridges, shallow braincase, and short anterior palatal foramen (Table 9). Anterior face of the lower incisor has two well defined and equally deep grooves. The upper third molar possesses 7 complete laminae; the lower first molar possesses 4 complete laminae. The chromosomal complement of O. simiensis consists of 2 N = 54, NF = 56; 2 m + 52 a (Fig. 2 c). Otomys simiensis differs from other Ethiopian Otomys (excluding yaldeni) by the lower number of laminae in the upper third molar (7 versus 8 – 9) and the double-layered dorsal fur. Amongst other members of typus s. l., simiensis is most like jacksoni which is similar in skull size and shape (Table 9) and also has 7 laminae in the third upper molar and a similar dark brown colour (Bohmann 1952); however, jacksoni is much smaller in external dimensions (HB mean 141 mm in jacksoni cf. 155 mm in simiensis) and has a proportionately shorter tail (45.4 % in jacksoni cf. 53.4 % in simiensis). Furthermore molecular data (Fig. 3) clearly demonstrate the genetic separation of these taxa.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245787DCCFEC20F2B9157.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Known only from the type locality in the Simien Mountains, northern Ethiopia (see above).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245787DCCFEC20F2B9157.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology. The holotype and paratypes of O. simiensis were captured in tree-heather forest (trees: Erica arborea, Hypericum revolutum; shrub: Rosa abyssinica) with open grassy patches. At higher altitudes, this species is replaced by O. typus s. s., a common inhabitant of the afroalpine zone in the Simien Mountains National Park (e. g., Chennek area, 13 ° 15 ’ N, 38 ° 13 ’ E, 3800 m).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245787DCCFEC20F2B9157.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The rugged Simien Mountains, to which the new species is apparently endemic, dominate the northern plateau of Ethiopia and contain its highest peaks. The name combines the stem Simien with the Latin suffix “ ensis, ” meaning “ native of ” or “ characteristic of ” the place indicated by the stem.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8245797DCCF88A09889460.taxon	distribution	Distribution. High plateau and mountains that form the western border of the Rift Valley (eastern branch), central Kenya; elevational range ca. 2450 – 2750 m. Specimens examined. KENYA: Uasin Gishu Plateau, 32 km N Eldama Ravine, 9,000 ft (2743 m) (USNM 164290); Molo (FMNH 16693 – 16695, 16698, 16699).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8345797DCCFDBF081693C5.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Simien Mts, Ethiopia extending eastwards to the highlands of the western rim of the Ethiopian Rift. Specimens examined. ETHIOPIA: Ankober (SM 23838); Bonke (SM 23349, 23351); Chenca (SM 23320 – 23322, 23325, 23326, 23328, 23333 – 23335, 23337); Gojam (FMNH 28141 – 28143, 28172 – 28177, 28179); Gojam, N’jabara (USNM 259507); Mount Guna (ZMMU 172728 – 172732); Hirna (SM 23842, 23844); Simien Mountains, 10,000 ft (3048 m) (FMNH 28146 – 28151, 28153 – 28158; MCZ 34372; SM 1051); Simien Mountains, Debark, 9,200 ft (2804 m) (MCZ 34373); Simien Mountains, Mount Geech, 11,200 ft (3414 m) (MCZ 26992; FMNH 28147, 28154); Shou (FMNH 28140); Sidamo, (FMNH 28167).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF8345657DCCFA180EF5976D.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Udzungwa Mountains in westcentral Tanzania to the Nyika Plateau, northern Malawi and contiguous Zambia; elevational range ca. 1800 – 2750 m. Specimens examined. MALAWI: Nyika Plateau, Chelinda (BMNH 62.337, 66.1094, 78.2722); Nyika Plateau, 7,000 ft (2133.6 m) (MCZ 43947, 43950); (FMNH 192029, 192030). TANZANIA: Udzungwe Mountains, Kigoro (MCZ 26637, 26638, 26640 – 26644); Udzungwe Mountains, Iringa District, Dabaga, 6,000 ft (1828.8 m) (MCZ 26645, 26646, 26648 – 26653, 26655, 26656, 26664); Poroto Mountains, Mbeya, 9,000 ft (2743.2 m) (MCZ 51147).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9F45627DCCFE8A0FDA9466.taxon	description	Figs. 2 b, 5, 6, 17; Table 9 Yalden’s Vei Rat	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9F45627DCCFE8A0FDA9466.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype. ZMMU 162594; adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 132; collected by L. A. Lavrenchenko, 17 February 1995. Type locality. Ethiopia, Bale Mountains, vicinity of Dinsho, 3170 m; 07 ° 06 ' N, 39 ° 47 ' E (interpolated from topographic map).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9F45627DCCFE8A0FDA9466.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis. The smallest representative of the Otomys typus complex (excluding O. jacksoni on Mt Elgon). Similar to O. simiensis, but considerably smaller in external and craniodental size, possessing a wider interorbital region, more pronounced supraorbital ridges, relatively smaller rostral region (clearly shortened nasal bones), more rounded and deeper braincase (Fig. 17), and distinct karyotype (2 N = 56, NF = 56, NFa = 54). Paratypes. BMNH 76.114 (Ethiopia, 70 km NW Kebre Mengist, 2650 m; 06 ° 23 ' N, 38 ° 35 ' E; adult male, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 121; collected by D. W. Yalden, P. A. Morris & M. J. Largen, 13 April 1975); BMNH 76.115 (Ethiopia, Bale Mountains, 17 km SE of Goba, 3800 m; 06 ° 53 ' N, 40 ° 03 ' E; adult female, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 201; collected by D. W. Yalden, P. A. Morris & M. J. Largen, 19 April 1975); BMNH 76.116 (Ethiopia, Bale Mountains, 10 km SE of Goba, 3300 m; 06 ° 57 ' N, 40 ° 03 ' E; adult female, dry skin and skull, collector’s number 175; collected by D. W. Yalden, P. A. Morris & M. J. Largen, 18 April 1975).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9F45627DCCFE8A0FDA9466.taxon	description	Description. A small-sized Otomys with a relatively short tail. The dorsal pelage is drab brown, the hairs are greyish at base and yellow-rufous in distal part. Among the guard hairs (11 – 12 mm), there are longer bristles (20 mm) that produce the effect of double-layered fur. Ventral pelage is pale grey, individual hairs grey at the base and tipped with pale whitish. The ears are blackish, their inner surface covered with short rufous hairs. The dorsal surface of the forefeet and hind feet is dark grey; the claws are grey. The tail is relatively short (49.9 % of HB), with blackish caudal hairs on the upper surface and nearly white hairs on the lower; however, given its shortness, the bicoloration of the tail does not appear as well defined as in O. simiensis. The small skull features a relatively wide interorbital region, markedly well-developed supraorbital ridges, very small rostral region with narrow nasals, short anterior palatal foramen, and small tympanic bullae (Fig. 17; Table 9). Anterior face of the lower incisor is scored by two well defined and equally deep grooves. The upper third molar possesses 6 or 7 complete laminae; the lower first molar possesses 4 complete laminae. Otomys yaldeni averages smaller than all other species formerly obscured under O. typus except for O. jacksoni (Table 9). However it can be easily distinguished from O. jacksoni on the basis of skull shape. Compared with O. yaldeni, the holotype of O. jacksoni displays a much narrower interorbital region, with weakly developed supraorbital ridges, and does not possess such conspicuously shortened nasal bones (Fig. 17). Otomys yaldeni differs from other Ethiopian Otomys (excluding O. simiensis) by the lower number of laminae in the upper third molar (6 – 7 vs. 8 – 9) and by its double-layered dorsal fur. The chromosomal set of O. yaldeni consists of 2 n = 56, NF = 56, NFa = 54, acrocentrics with an acrocentric X and Y (Fig. 2 b). Allozymic investigation of 18 enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins (Adh, Alb, Gdc, Hbb, Got- 1, Got- 2, G- 6 - pd, Dia- 1, Dia- 2, Idh- 1, Ldh-A, Ldh-B, Mdh- 1, Mdh- 2, Me- 1, Sdh, Sod- 1, Sod- 2) revealed that non-overlapping allele spectra in four loci (G- 6 - pd, Dia- 2, Alb and Got- 2) discriminated O. yaldeni and O. helleri, which are partially sympatric in the Bale Mountains (Lavrenchenko et al. 1997).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9F45627DCCFE8A0FDA9466.taxon	distribution	Distribution. Documented from the northern (Dinsho and Goba areas) and south-western (70 km NW Kebre Mengist) slopes of the Bale Massif, southeastern Ethiopia.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9F45627DCCFE8A0FDA9466.taxon	biology_ecology	Ecology. All known specimens of O. yaldeni were collected in mosaic habitats of grassland and forest between 2650 and 3800 m. The holotype was captured at the edge of typical undifferentiated afromontane forest with Junipe- rus procera, Hypericum revolutum, Maytenus arbutifolia, Rosa abyssinica and open grassy patches with Euphorbia dumalis, Festuca abyssinica, Koeleria capensis, Poa schimperana, Exotheca abyssinica. The paratypes were captured in afromontane forest with Hagenia abyssinica and bamboo patches with Arundinaria alpine (BMNH 76.114), in moorland with Erica trimera and Helichrysum citrispinum (BMNH 76.115), in open woodland with Hypericum revolutum and Helichrysum citrispinum (BMNH 76.116).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9F45627DCCFE8A0FDA9466.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species name acknowledges the substantial contributions of Derek W. Yalden to our understanding of Ethiopia’s indigenous mammals. His museum and field efforts, published over some 20 years in faunal reports and taxonomic catalogues (e. g., Yalden et al. 1976, 1996), meaningfully advanced specimen-based knowledge of species and their distributions, thereby underscoring the exceptional endemism that characterizes the mammal fauna of the Ethiopian highlands. Otomys yaldeni appropriately represents another of those endemics. The species name combines the surname Yalden and genitive singular case-ending “ i ” indicative of masculine gender.	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
3C3587DEFF9845627DCCFD890F69920F.taxon	distribution	Distribution. The species is limited in its distribution to Mt Kilimanjaro. Specimens examined. TANZANIA: Kilimanjaro (SM 4270, 4272, 4278, 4280); Mount Kilimanjaro East, Maundi Crater, grassland, 3270 m (RMCA 96.037. M- 6801, 96.037. M- 6802, 96.037. M- 6803, 96.037. M- 6804, 96.037. M- 6805, 96.037. M- 6801); Mount Kilimanjaro West, Londorosi, forest, 2350 m (96.037. M- 6807, 96.037. M- 6810); Mount Kilimanjaro West, Shira, moorland, 3000 m (96.037. M- 6809); Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park, 13,100 ft (3993 m) (FMNH 174178 – 174180); Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park, 7 km N and 2.5 km W Maua, 8,100 ft (2469 m) (FMNH 174173, 174174).	en	Taylor, Peter J., Lavrenchenko, Leonid A., Carleton, Michael D., Verheyen, Erik, Bennett, Nigel C., Oosthuizen, Carel J., Maree, Sarita (2011): Specific limits and emerging diversity patterns in East African populations of laminate-toothed rats, genus Otomys (Muridae: Murinae: Otomyini): Revision of the Otomys typus complex 3024. Zootaxa 3024 (1): 1-66, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3024.1.1, URL: https://biotaxa.org/Zootaxa/article/view/zootaxa.3024.1.1
