taxonID	type	description	language	source
03D087E99F6A473E0CBAFD17FE8486A5.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Four species of Gerbilliscus occur in West Africa (Granjon et al. 2012) and are easily distinguished by chromosomal and molecular data but not by external characters. G. kempii Wroughton, 1906 is characterized by a karyotype of 2 N = 46, NFa = 64 (Colangelo et al. 2005, Volobouev et al. 2007), G. guineae Thomas, 1910 by 2 N = 50, FN = 64; G. gambianus by 2 N = 52, NF = 64 (Granjon 2005, Volobouev et al. 2007) and Gerbilliscus giffardi Wroughton, 1906 by 2 N = 48, FN = 64 (Volobouev et al. 2007). Twelve specimens of Gerbilliscus were collected by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958; but attributed to G. kempii) and Gautun et al. (1986; as G. hopkinsoni synonymized under kempii) but none on the Liberian side of the Mount according to Coe (1975). According to Gautun et al. (1986), the Nimba specimens they collected at 1600 m a. s. l. were displaying a 2 N = 46 karyotype. After a molecular and morphometric analysis of West African Gerbilliscus, Granjon et al. (2012) suggested that the Gerbilliscus sp. specimens with 2 N = 46 may correspond to G. kempii and those previously called G. kempii in the literature may refer to G. giffardi. However, the authors also stressed that a revision of all West African Gerbilliscus taxa was needed before this assertion could be tested. Therefore, to avoid confusion, we will not use the taxonomy proposed by Granjon et al. (2012) in subsequent paragraphs. Based on our new Liberian specimen, plus Nimba old collection specimens and the karyotyped or sequenced ones, we performed a Canonical Variate Analysis on 10 cranial dimensions and 18 genotyped specimens plus the holotypes of G. guineae, G. kempii, G. gambiana and G. hopkinsoni (Fig. 6). The analysis allowed for an unambiguous attribution of the Nimba specimens to G. kempii. Hence, we confirmed that all the Nimba specimens belong to G. kempii and the holotype of G. hopkinsoni fitted well with G. kempii with a correct classification percentage of 95.45 %. Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) reported the presence of G. kempii in Ziéla (2 indiv.). According to these authors, this gerbil is large, the tail has no terminal pencil and is brown. It was also collected in pellets of the Western Barn Owl (Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769 )) in Gouécké. During Mission 1, no new specimens were collected but one dead animal was photographed in Serengbara (Appendix 5). In Mission 3 we collected a dead Gerbilliscus individual at the border with Guinea in edaphic savanna. This specimen was not barcoded. The hind foot length was similar to that of the G. kempii holotype, and close to the G. kempii specimen that we identified genetically. The recently collected Liberian specimen (2014 - 980) was similar in its body proportions to the older Nimba specimens collected by Lamotte (Table 7). The specimen collected by Lamotte (MNHN-ZM-MO- 1997 - 1563) displays a typical light brown dorsal pelage above and white below. The tail is brown above and white below and does not end in a terminal tuft of hair. The tail is slightly shorter than the HB length.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F77473E0C99FE54FADF86DA.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Representatives of various Murinae tribes were found both in our new samples and in old MNHN collections. External and skull measurements are provided in Tables 7; 8.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F77473E0E2FFCF6FC6685DB.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Another gerbil, Taterillus gracilis (Thomas, 1922) was found by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) in pellets of the owl Tyto alba at Gouécké on the Guinean side of Mount Nimba. It was not reported by Coe (1975), Misonne & Verschuren (1976) or Gautun et al. (1986), from the Liberian side. The species is widely distributed in West African savannas (Monadjem et al. 2015). We did not record the species in any of our surveys and were unable to localize the specimens collected by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) in MNHN. Hence, we consider the presence of this species on Mount Nimba doubtful.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7747380CE3FD54FE1683A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS In West Africa, grass rats of the genus Arvicanthis are represented by four clades, namely: A. ansorgei Thomas, 1910; A. niloticus (Desmarest, 1822) C 2 & C 4 clades and A. rufinus (Temminck, 1853) (Bryja et al. 2019). These four species are not easy to distinguish morphologically, although some can be characterized by their karyotypes. Arvicanthis ansorgei is defined by 2 N = 62, FN = 74 - 76 and this cytotype was recorded in Benin and S. Mali. A. niloticus is also characterized by 2 N = 62 but a FN = 64 and is found from Senegal to Burkina Faso (Ducroz et al. 1997). In Côte d’Ivoire (RCI) Tranier & Gautun (pers. comm.) reported a specimen with 2 N = 62. A cytotype of 2 N = 62, FN = 76 from West of the Niger River was attributed to A. rufinus (Volobouev et al. 2002). We did not collect any new specimens of this genus, so we can only rely on morphological characters to describe the two previously collected specimens. Thus, species identification remains doubtful. A single specimen (MNHN-ZM- 2006 - 10), preserved in alcohol, was collected in Grassfield (Liberia) by Xavier Françoise, who attributed it to A. ansorgei because it had a very rufous pelage. However, it was a juvenile individual and no external measurements were reported. The other MNHN specimen (MNHN-ZM-AC- 1955 - 660) was collected by Matthey. It displays an Arvicanthis morphology but looks small and is relatively young (Table 7). This specimen displays the dorsal speckled pelage with brown-rufous hairs mixed with grey-black ones. The tail is incomplete. The HF is small compared with the description of A. rufinus in Rosevear (1969), and fits better with A. ansorgei. There is a rufous area at the base of the tail and the ventral pelage is white-grey with pale orange. The tail is bicolored black above and reddish-yellow below. The skull of this specimen is robust, the nasal bones are short and the IOC large and framed by two marked fronto-parietal crests. In ventral view the infraorbital foramen is long entering the palate between the molar rows reaching the first lobe of cusps of the upper M 1. The molar row is long, as is the length of the tympanic bullae. This specimen corresponds to a young individual and is slightly smaller than the NHM type series of A. rufinus but fits within A. rufinus from Benin and A. ansorgei for LGT measurement. Its upper molar row length fits with A. ansorgei karyotyped specimens rather than with A. rufinus (Table 8).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7147390CE9FC57FD68851B.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7147390CE9FC57FD68851B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Recent molecular phylogenies suggested to rehabilitate the genus Typomys for two species which were assigned previously to genus Hybomys (Missoup et al. 2018, Pradhan et al. 2021). This work followed the suggestions of Carleton & Robbins (1985). West Africa has two recognized species of Typomys: T. planifrons Miller, 1900 and T. trivirgatus Temminck, 1853. The main difference between these species is the number of dorsal stripes of the pelage: one in T. planifrons and three in T. trivirgatus. Roche (1971) recorded specimens in Seredou (170 km west from Nimba) with one and three stripes that he attributed to T. trivirgatus. Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) signalized the presence of a single-striped Typomys which they named T. univittatus planifrons. They did not recorded T. trivirgatus on Mount Nimba, but only in Boola (Guinea, 100 km North of Mount Nimba), where it coexists with T. planifrons (Heim de Balsac & Lamotte 1958). In Ziama, Mamba et al. (2021) recovered one specimen of T. trivirgatus in the Wologizi Liberian side of the Mount. It was also recovered by Coe (1975) on the Liberian side of Mount Nimba (Iti valley) between 850 m and 1350 m and was associated with montane forest. According to Gautun et al. (1986) only T. planifrons was found by them on Mount Nimba. According to Carleton & Robbins (1985), both species coexist West of the Sassandra River and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) indicated they are present on the Liberian side of Mount Nimba. Coe (1975) reported collecting both single-striped and three-striped mice, which he classified as Typomys trivirgatus planifrons and Typomys trivirgatus trivirgatus, respectively. All the new specimens captured by us were molecularly identified as T. trivirgatus. However, we have inspected all the previously collected material and can thus confirm the presence of both species of Typomys from Mount Nimba	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F70473B0CB8FBB7FE34853B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The shaggy rat from Nimba is characterized by a medium-large size and a short tail, nearly identical in length to the head and body (95 to 105 %). The dorsal pelage is brown and the ventral one is yellow grey. Our new specimens fit well within the size range of Dasymys rufulus specimens recovered previously on Mount Nimba as well as in Seredou (Guinea) (Tables 7; 8). The skull is robust and characterized by a marked and very narrow interorbital constriction. The braincase is wide with a diamond shape. The nasal bones are enlarged frontally. The incisive foramen is long and ends before the first root of the upper M 1 /. The molar tooth rows are parallel and large (ratio LS 13 / LTC: 0.182 - 0.205 macrodonty) and the wide M 3 / ends up just with the posterior border of the palate. The tympanic bullae are relatively small. The zygomatic arches are enlarged at the level of the maxillary / jugal suture. The mandible is high but short. The skull measurements of the newly collected Guinean specimens fit well with previous measurements collected by Coe (1975) in Liberia, Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) and Roche (1971) in Guinea and with those of the holotype from Mount Coffee (Liberia). On the molars, cusps are bunodont and well-aligned transversally on the first upper molar. The median cusps are large and slightly compressed antero-posteriorly. On the upper M 1 /, there is a stephanodont crest on the t 4 and the cusp t 6 ends with a longitudinal crest related to the big t 8 but no t 9 is visible and it is also absent on the upper M 2 /. On the M 2 and M 3 / there is a big transverse t 1 but no t 3. The upper M 3 / is longer than the M 2 / and has two cusps on the first lobe and one on the second. On the lower molars one can see a tmA and a cv 5 on the M / 1, no posterior cingulum on the M / 1 and a tiny one on the M / 2 The M / 3 is as long as the M / 2 and displays two lobes.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7047390CF7FF55FB5387A4.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7047390CF7FF55FB5387A4.taxon	discussion	REMARKS For a long time only one species of Dasymys was recognized and as a result all the West African specimens collected on previous expeditions bear the name D. incomtus (Heim de Balsac & Lamotte 1958; Rosevear 1969). A revision of the genus by Carleton & Martinez (1991) rehabilitated the species Dasymys rufulus for the West African population, while the name D. incomtus holds for South and East African populations. D. rufulus has been described from Mount Coffee, Liberia. The specimens from Seredou described by Roche (1971) are morphologically similar to those collected by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) in Ziela and Yomou labelled D. i. rufulus, as well as to our specimens. Gautun et al. (1986) did not collect this species, while Coe (1975) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) collected additional specimens on the Liberian side of Mount Nimba. A morphometric geometric analysis showed that the D. rufulus complex is characterized by five morphs that could represent valid cryptic species (Mullin et al. 2004). Two new specimens were collected at Mount Nimba during the Guinean survey. We performed a molecular blast on one Guinean specimen that fit well with other D. rufulus Genbank specimens PX 354163 (cf. Appendices).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7047390E2EFE15FE9680C4.taxon	discussion	REMARKS External characters: no standard external measurements exist for the old specimens of T. planifrons but they display the characteristic single-striped pattern of this species. These specimens display only one dorsal black line, and no clear demarcation between dorsal and ventral pelage (yellow-grey). They have a short tail with hairs and an ochraceous spot around the anal region and inner side of hind legs, as indicated by Miller (1900). The skull is robust with a large CIO and a round braincase. The infraorbital foramen enters between the molar rows until the t 1 of the upper M 1. The tympanic bullae are relatively small. Skull dimensions of the specimens attributed to T. planifrons from Mount Nimba agree well with those of the holotype. There were no size differences with T. trivirgatus in our small sample (Tables 7; 8).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7047390FD2FB56FE4183A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The three new specimens collected by us exhibit three parallel black stripes on the dorsal pelage and fit well within the variability of the previously collected Typomys of the same species on Mount Nimba concerning their external measurements (Table 7). The skulls display the typical short incisor foramina and dental pattern of Typomys. There are no real differences in skull size between T. planifrons and T. trivirgatus in our sample (Table 8). The newly collected specimen MNHN-ZM- 2014 - 1027 has a broken skull. The specimen MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1695 has incisive foramina ending well before the first root of the upper M 1 /. The CIO is wide and the braincase is globular in shape in the parietal region. The molar rows are relatively small and parallel. The tympanic bullae are small and the occipital foramen very large.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F72473B0E3BFE35FBB28187.taxon	description	(Figs 7; 8; Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F72473B0E3BFE35FBB28187.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The genus Dephomys was created by Thomas (1926) for Mus defua Miller, 1900 from a specimen collected from Mount Coffee, Liberia. A subspecies named D. d. eburneae Heim de Balsac & Bellier, 1967 from Lamto, Côte d’Ivoire provided different chromosomal diploid numbers between northern and southern Côte d’Ivoire (Tranier & Dosso 1979). Then D. d. eburneae was further elevated to species rank by Van der Straeten (1984) based upon morphometric and chromosomal characters; but no diagnosis was ever published. Based on these data, it would appear that D. defua occurs in the Guineo-Liberian forest block, while D. eburneae occurs in the forests of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to the east (Heim de Balsac & Aellen 1965; Rosevear 1969; Musser & Carleton 2005). Dephomys under the name D. defua was recorded by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958), Gautun et al. (1986), Coe (1975) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) on both Guinean and Liberian sides of Mount Nimba. We found several karyotyped specimens in the MNHN collections displaying two chromosomal formulae (2 N> 50 attributed to D. defua and 2 N <50 attributed to D. eburneae according to Tranier & Dosso (1979) and originating both from Grabo, Adiopodoumé in Côte d’Ivoire. This could indicate that they may be sympatric in part of their distributional range and therefore both may be present at Mount Nimba. Tranier & Dosso (1979, unpublished data) provided chromosomal data and showed a great pelage color variability with age between the two taxa. Also, the dental character of the absence or presence of a cusp t 3 on the upper M 1 was variable, depending on the wear stage. The latter character was not so discriminant than previously reported (Tranier pers. comm.). Tranier & Dosso (1979) report a relative absence of morphological characters to distinguish between the two chromosomal species but found the width of the upper M 1 /, the height of the rostrum and the chromosome formula to be effective distinguishing criteria. We performed molecular and morphometric analyses to verify the possible coexistence of two Dephomys species on Mount Nimba and in West Africa. The Neighbour Joining molecular tree indicates the existence of different lineages in West Africa (Fig. 7). The newly collected specimens 2021 - 1694 (SER 167) + NIMII 24 are in the same lineage (named Clade A below) and very distinct from the new specimen DM 13172 of the Liberian side of the Mount (Clade B). Moreover, the SER 167 specimen harbours a 2 N = 42 karyotype (Appendix 4). The K 2 P genetic distance between clades A and B is of 12 % and they are sympatric in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea suggesting the presence of two distinct species. We could not recover the holotype and paratype of D. eburneae, which was described from Lamto and Adiopodoume and should be deposited in the MNHN. The DFA performed on skull measurements of genetically sequenced specimens from Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia provides some discrimination between the two clades (Fig. 7). The karyotyped specimens are separated by a size axis (nearly all variables are positively correlated with axis 1), the 2 N <50 specimens having on average larger skull measurements. Karyotyped specimens (1979 - 144 & 1979 - 145 specimens) from Gabro (Côte d’Ivoire) with 2 N = 52 - 53 are well classified in clade B close to molecularly typed specimens of Ziama (Guinea), Taï (RCI), Zogota (Liberia) (MNHN 2011 - 346, P 2357 and MNHN 2015 - 1257 R 24148). Specimens with 2 N = 42 - 44 from Adiopodoume (Côte d’Ivoire, 1967 - 1560 and 1982 - 565) are close to molecularly typed specimens of clade A from Ziama (MNHN 2011 - 344, P 1539) and to the new specimen SER 167 (MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1694). All specimens used in the FFA were correctly classified (100 %) and the axis 1 represents a size axis with specimens of Clade A slightly larger on average (Fig. 8). The canonical analysis performed on genetically typed specimen on four external measurements provided a lower level of discrimination but the average values of HF length was the most discriminant variable (not figured). Clade A on average had a HF length of 27 mm against clade B with 25 mm. Clade A specimens are larger. Consequently, here we can be confident that two taxa of Dephomys coexist on Mount Nimba as well as in some other West African localities, but naming the non-genotyped specimens remains difficult pending further studies and a larger sample of genetically typed specimens. Following Van der Straeten (1984) the Taï (Côte d’Ivoire) specimens belong clearly to D. defua, specimen from Taï in our molecular tree are found in clade B, while specimens from Lamto and Adiopodoumé (Côte d’Ivoire) belong to D. eburneae (Clade A). We provisionally attribute clade A to Dephomys cf. eburneae and clade B to Dephomys cf. defua pending on a further revision of the whole genus.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7247350CCEF990FA2386BA.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The male specimen from Serengbara MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1694 (SER 167) displayed the typical aspect of the genus, with a wooly pelage of grey-brown colour, a very long tail with a tiny tuft, short ears and long hindfeet. Its karyotype (2 N = 42, NFa = 52 or 54) is identical to that known for D. eburneae described by Tranier & Dosso (1979) from Adiopodoumé in Côte d’Ivoire. Looking at external standard measurements we can see that the newly collected specimen of clade B have a smaller hind foot length compared to clade A and this is also visible in old MNHN karyotyped specimens (Table 7). However, our sample here is too small to acknowledge this size difference for species discrimination. The skull is long with a large braincase that is defined by a well-marked supraorbital crest. Frontal bones are flat while nasals and parietal bones are raised. The nasal bone is long, ending above the short proodont incisors. The tympanic bullae are very small compared to the size of the skull (between 3.87 mm and 4.89 mm). The glenoid foramen is round and well visible above the tympanic bullae. The palate is short ending just after the upper M 3. Specimen MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1694 (SER 167) is adult and its measurements fit well with other NHM specimens from Mount Nimba. It is larger than D. defua from Côte d’Ivoire, particularly its molar row length. Specimen MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1694 (SER 167) looks similar to D. eburneae sharing the same basic karyotype (Table 8).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7C47350C96FCB7FB568207.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The specimen DM 13172 has been sequenced and belongs to clade B that corresponds well to Dephomys cf. defua as defined above (Fig. 7). No external measurements were available for this specimen. DM 13172 was a pregnant female, but its skull measurements look small compared to other Nimba specimens. There are no clear morphological differences in the skin characters between D. cf. eburneae and D. cf. defua. In size we noticed a difference in the hindfoot length, which could be smaller in D. cf. defua (Table 7). On specimen MNHN-ZM- 2013 - 169, the nasal is long and wide, the fronto-parietal crests rectilinear and moderately marked, and the braincase rounded. In ventral view, the incisor foramen is long and enters in the middle of the toothrows, the palate is wide and molar rows oblique. The tympanic bullae are oval. The molecularly typed specimen from Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea harbor a large t 3 on the upper M 1 / and a t 3 bis which is sometimes visible. But the large variability observed for this character does not allow for a reliable specific identification. The dental characters are very similar to those observed in genetically typed specimens attributed to D. cf. eburneae.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7C47360C97F910FC8685FB.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7C47360C97F910FC8685FB.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Grammomys remained confounded with Thamnomys for a long time, but recently, molecular analyses have confirmed the validity of these two genera (Bryja et al. 2017, 2024; Mikula et al. 2021). In West Africa, only one clade was recognized, Grammomys buntingi Thomas, 1911 (holotype NHM- 11.7.28.27 from Bassa, Liberia). Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) recorded the presence of Grammomys (macmillani?) buntingi in Guinean side of the Mount Nimba. The genus was not collected by Coe (1975), Gautun et al. (1986) or Misonne & Verschuren (1976). The new specimens collected during our expeditions in Liberia have been sequenced and are all attributed to G. buntingi (Bryja et al. 2017). A recent revision using phylogenomic analyses however, put G. buntingi in synonymy within the G. macmillani clade (Bryja et al. 2024)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7F47360FF2FE74FE108267.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The Nimba Grammomys are very similar to the type specimen of G. buntingi from Bassa in displaying a brown-grey dorsal pelage with more yellow-brown hairs above the rump, a white-grey belly and a long tail ending with a tuft of brown-red hairs. The skull displays a short nasal and a relative globular braincase with a well marked interorbital constriction. The CIO is underlined by fronto-parietal crests. On the ventral side, the incisive foramina stop at the level of the first root of the upper M 1. The dental rows are small and quite parallel, the tympanic bullae are small. In size, the skull of G. macmillani buntingi of Nimba fits well within the variability of other Guinean and Sierra Leone specimens and are close to the holotype measurements. On the upper molars, T 7 is absent from the upper M 1, which corresponds to the Grammomys genus definition (Thomas 1915). Specimen MNHN-ZM- 2014 - 1016 (stage 2) and MNHN-ZM- 2014 - 2017 and 2018 (stages 5) are characterized by small molar rows and display the same cusp arrangement as the holotype. The upper M 3 is small, cusps are relatively round and bunodont with some light stephanodont crests relating longitudinally cups between rows. These stephanodont crests are peculiarly visible on the t 3 of the upper M 1 / and between t 6 and t 9. On the lower molars, cusps alternate with slight crests. There is no t 7 on the upper M 12 but a crest relating t 4 to t 8. There is a tma on the lower m 1 and many variable labial cingular cusplets surrounding cv 5	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7F47360C6BFD77FB868346.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Two specimens attributed to L. macculus bellieri were found in the MNHN collections from Mount Nimba. They are not in proper condition and could not be genotyped. We keep these specimens under this attribution pending the discovery of further specimens and provide some characters for their identification following the key of Denys et al. (2020). External measurements are missing for both specimens and we could not examine skin morphology. The skull of MNHN-ZM-MO- 1992 - 207 corresponds to an adult female but is badly broken. The LGT is approximately 24.5 mm (but cannot be measured accurately because the skull is damaged). The specimen MNHN-ZM-MO- 1987 - 358 is an adult with a relatively small-sized skull (LGT <30 mm), with an LBT / LGT ratio of 16.87 %, which fits well with L. macculus bellieri according Denys et al. (2020). On the skull of MNHN-ZM-MO- 1987 - 358 the skull is small and the braincase round with no fronto-parietal crests (Table 8). In ventral view, the tympanic bullae are smaller than in the holotype of L. m. bellieri and the other specimens attributed to this species. The incisive foramen is long entering the molar row. The molars display the typical pattern of Lemniscomys, but we were unable to find a dental diagnostic character that distinguishes L. macculus bellieri and L. striatus (Denys et al. 2020).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7F47360FDDF9F0FC5B86FA.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Four species of striped mice are known to occur in West Africa: Lemniscomys striatus Linnaeus, 1758, L. linulus Thomas, 1910, L. zebra Heuglin, 1864 and L. bellieri Van der Straeten 1975 (Denys et al. 2020). A single species was reported on Mount Nimba, L. striatus (Heim de Balsac & Lamotte 1958; Coe 1975; Misonne & Verschuren 1976). However, we found two specimens assigned to L. bellieri in the MNHN collections. A recent study has shown morphological and genetic differences between the three Lemniscomys species found in Guinea (Denys et al. 2020). A molecular revision at the continental scale has demonstrated that pelage coloration patterns do not reflect phylogeny (Hánová et al. 2021). According to these authors, the bellieri specimens from the type locality (Lamto, Côte d’Ivoire) are in the same clade as the L. macculus representatives of Central African Republic and Ethiopia, and hence they proposed that these two species are synonymous (Hánová et al. 2021). Lemniscomys striatus displays a standard karyotype of 2 N = 44 in Côte d’Ivoire (Tranier, Dosso, Gautun unpublished, pers. comm.), 2 N = 43 - 44 in Burkina Faso (Gautun et al. 1986) and 2 N = 44, NFa = 66 in coastal Guinea (Denys et al. 2009). Lemniscomys bellieri is characterized by 2 N = 58 (van der Straeten 1975).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7F47370CBEF8D3FE0F8064.taxon	discussion	REMARKS On Mount Nimba the newly collected Lemniscomys specimens were barcoded and belong unambiguously to L. striatus. One specimen of the Guinean Nimba provided the typical L. striatus karyotype. The striation pattern of its pelage and the standard karyotype or the Guinean Nimba new specimen (MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1696, 2 N = 45) allow to attribute it unambiguously to L. striatus (2 N = 44 - 45). The two new Liberian specimens (MNHN-ZM- 2014 - 978 and 2014 - 979) were molecularly typed and matched well with L. striatus. They display the brown colour of the pelage, yellow white spots, eight bands of brown spots alternating with yellow cream ones that characterize L. striatus (Denys et al. 2020). The standard measurements of the New Nimba specimens of L. striatus fit well with the proportions of the specimens of the Lamotte collections and other Guinean specimens (Table 7). Here the greatest length of the skull is> 29 mm for adults, the incisor foramen rectilinear ends between the first root of M 1 / and the anterior part of nasal bones is rectilinear on each side of the median suture, which corresponds to L. striatus according to the key provided by Denys et al. (2020) (Table 8). The molars of the new specimens of L. striatus from Nimba correspond well to the description of Denys et al. (2020) with cusps t 2 and t 3 of the M 1 / prelobe aligned transversally, the large upper M 3 / with 5 cusps, the tubercles of the lower M / 1 are well aligned and relatively bunodont.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7E47370FD0F9D0FA31867A.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The MNHN-ZM-MO- 1998 - 1013 specimen was karyotyped and its chromosome formula is 2 N = 42, NF = 52 (Gautun et al. 1986) like other representatives of Côte d’Ivoire (Matthey 1970). Morphologically this specimen agrees well with the type specimen but it corresponds to a juvenile individual (Table 7). The pelage is dorsally bicolored (speckled) with a brown general dominant coloration and the bicolored tail is dark above and light below. Contrary to Arvicanthis Lesson, 1842 it has three digits on the hindfoot and four on the forefoot, as well as a white belly. The juvenile Nimba specimen was in alcohol and is poorly preserved. The skull is robust, the rostrum wide with a sharp occipital, there is a long and wide infraorbital foramen. The molars are large and characterised by a selenedont pattern of the cusps (UTR: 8 mm; Upper M 1 / Width: 1,7 mm). The cusps are high and are not fused in laminae. This is also visible on much worn molars of other specimens of the species. The central cusps are high and prominent (t 2, t 5 et t 8) in the upper molars.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7E47370E03FBF6FC838247.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The genus was created for Mylomys cunninghami Thomas, 1906 from Kenya, but a later revision placed it in synonymy with Mylomys dybowskii Pousargues, 1893 (Central African Republic). In West Africa the species is found in Guinea (Gautun et al. 1986), Côte d’Ivoire (Heim de Balsac 1967) and Ghana (Rosevear 1969). At Mount Nimba, the species was mentioned by Gautun et al. (1986) who collected a single specimen in high altitude savanna on the Guinean side. We were unable to trap any new specimens during our surveys.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7E47300C56FD37FD39851B.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7E47300C56FD37FD39851B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Specimens belonging to this taxon were reported by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) for the first time as O. hypoxanthus ornatus. Rosevear (1969), followed by Tranier & Gautun (1979) who described its distinctive morphological and cytogenetical characteristics, elevated it to species rank. Oenomys ornatus is endemic to West Africa and has been recorded in Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea, Ghana and Sierra Leone. Misonne & Verschuren (1976) collected four supplementary specimens on the Liberian side of Mount Nimba. We were unable to capture new specimens during our recent surveys. A single MNHN specimen collected by Lamotte had external standard measurements (Table 7). It is characterized by reddish pelage around the nose, a grey-brown dorsal pelage with reddish flanks, hindfeet and back, and a white belly. A comparison with O. ornatus specimens from Seredou (Guinea) and the two karyotyped specimens from Côte d’Ivoire shows their great similarities in size and morphology but some differences with the holotype. The Nimba specimen is one of the largest compared to other Guinean representatives. The skull of the Nimba Oenomys is robust with a large rostrum (Table 8). On the ventral side the infra-orbital foramen just stops at the level of the first root of the upper M 1 /. The incisive foramina are broad in front and strongly narrower behind. The two upper molar rows are large and nearly parallel, the palate is very narrow. The tympanic bullae are moderately inflated and represent about 15 % of the greatest length of the skull. In size, the Nimba specimen is larger than the holotype of O. ornatus but fits within variability of the karyotyped specimens from Côte d’Ivoire and from Seredou (Guinea). The molars of the Nimba specimen are relatively worn (stage 4) but they display a typical stephanodont pattern with crests developed longitudinally for each cusp of the upper molars. On the M 1 and the M 2 the central row of the cusps is large and round, there are some supplementary cusplets and the t 9 is small but present. The upper M 3 / is long and its first lobe has two cusps related to the second lobe on the labial side. Cusps are alternate on the lower m 1, there is a tmA and a cv 5 on the m 1 and the posterior cingulum is small.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7947300C97FC36FBDB83A6.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This large species is represented on Mount Nimba by a single specimen found during Mission 2 in Bentor 1 (Liberia). The tail is bicolored and there is a light frontal spot. The holotype of M. cansdalei displays a white belly sharply delimited from the brown dorsal pelage. The specimen DM 13173 was barcoded and its Cyt B sequence fits well with other specimens of M. cansdalei. The new Nimba specimen DM 13173 displays very long hindfeet (42.7 mm) and its external measurements fit well the M. cansdalei holotype and paratypes (Table 7). The holotype displays small and short incisor foramina; the pterygoid fossa is well behind the M 3 which distinguishes the species from M. edwardsi according to Bellier & Gautun (1968). The molar rows are very narrow like in M. edwardsi and relatively small compared to the skull length. The strong t 1 of the upper M 1 is not isolated from the t 2 and t 3 and is posterior compared to the t 2 - t 3. The t 2 and t 3 are not well differentiated, fused in a single transverse lobe. The t 4 is posterior to the t 5 and t 6 and display a small longitudinal crest. The t 9 is small but it remains visible on M 1 but not on M 2. The upper M 3 has a big t 1 like on the M 12, there are two lobes on the M 3 which counts three main cusps. On the lower molars, there is a longitudinal link between the prelobe and the first chevron. There is a big posterior cingulum on the m 12. The second lobe of the m 3 shows trace of a single cusp. However, the two cusps of the first chevron are more aligned transversally than in M. edwardsi. The second lobe of the m 3 is much narrower than in M. edwardsi and there is no trace of a second cusp.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7947300FCFFA30FB8F873A.taxon	discussion	REMARKS We karyotyped two specimens in the field that provided a chromosome formula of 2 n = 48, NFa = 48: MNHN-ZM- 2022 - 944 (SER 164) and MNHN-ZM- 2022 - 945 (SER 187), both from Serengbara (Guinea) (Appendix 4). The smaller HF (<37 mm) and relatively smaller size of our specimens allowed us to attribute them in the field to M. edwardsi, which was later confirmed by molecular analysis. They harbour a soft short and dense pelage of dark brown color dorsally and a light grey belly similar to the holotype of M. edwardsi. The tail is longer than the HB length, bicolored and without hairs. The hands and feet are white, while the large translucent ears are black. The nose is long with long vibrissae (> 5 cm). In size the new specimens from Nimba and Liberia fit well with specimens collected by Lamotte and Coe (1975). They are smaller than M. cansdalei, especially in their hindfeet length (Table 7). The skull is long (c. 38 mm) with a prominent long rostrum. The incisive foramina and pterygoid fossae are wide. The anteorbital foramen is very wide and the zygomatic plate small. The molar rows are small (microdont). The older specimens from Mount Nimba (MNHN-ZM-MO- 1991 - 2107) fits well within the variability of the newly collected specimens both from Liberia and Guinea (Table 8). The molar rows are very narrow and relatively small compared to the skull length. When barely worn the big t 1 of the upper M 1 is isolated from the t 2 and t 3 and large and round. The t 2 and t 3 are not well differentiated, fused in a single transverse lobe. The t 4 is posterior to the t 5 and slightly at the same level as t 6. t 9 is either very small or absent on both M 1 and M 2. There are two lobes on the M 3 which counts three cusps. On the lower molars, there is a longitudinal link between the prelobe and the first chevron. There is a big posterior cingulum on the m 12. The second lobe of the m 3 shows traces of two cusps when unworn.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7947300FCEFE15FEB28127.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7947300FCEFE15FEB28127.taxon	discussion	REMARKS For a long time, the number of species and subspecies within Malacomys has been heavily debated. According to the most recent morphological and genetic data (Bohoussou et al. 2014, 2015), three species can be recognized within this genus, two being present in West Africa (M. edwardsi Rochebrune, 1885 and M. cansdalei Ansell, 1958). Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) and Heim de Balsac & Aellen (1965) placed the Nimba specimens into M. longipes edwardsi. The holotype of M. edwardsi was collected in the margin of river Malacore at the Liberia-Guinean border. It is characterized by 2 N = 48, NF = 52 (Matthey 1958, Van der Straeten & Verheyen 1979, Tranier pers. com.). According to Gautun et al. (1986), two species of Malacomys are known on Mont Nimba: M. edwardsi and M. longipes giganteus Bellier & Gautun, 1968. Malacomys l. giganteus was later synonymized with M. cansdalei by Musser & Carleton (2005). A phylogeographic and morphometric analysis confirmed that in West Africa the two species present are M. edwardsi and M. cansdalei (Bohoussou et al. 2014, 2015) and are clearly distinguished by size. Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) briefly described nine specimens collected on the Guinean side of Mount Nimba as belonging to M. edwardsi. On the Liberian side Coe (1975) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) only found M. edwardsi. During our new surveys, we collected both species of Malacomys on Mount Nimba and all the newly collected specimens were sequenced.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7847320E01FB16FD07867B.taxon	description	(Fig. 9; Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7847320E01FB16FD07867B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Two species of Praomys are known to occur in sympatry in West Africa (Akpatou et al. 2007; Nicolas et al. 2008). In the Guinean Nimba, Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) mentioned P. morio (now restricted by Van der Straeten to Mount Cameroon and Bioko named now P. tullbergi) and P. jacksoni (correct attribution as P. rostratus according to Van der Straeten & Verheyen (1981 )). Coe (1975) recorded 94 specimens attributed to P. tullbergi and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) also recovered more than 100 specimens on the Liberian side of Mount Nimba indicating that they represent a single homogeneous series. Gautun et al. (1986) indicated that they karyotyped Praomys from Mount Nimba that displayed the typical 2 N = 34 chromosomes that fits with P. tullbergi. But, both P. tullbergi and P. rostratus species share the same karyotype and have been considered as sibling species by Nicolas et al. (2008) and Akpatou et al. (2007). During fieldwork in 2008, we only recorded one formula for all six karyotyped specimens (2 N = 34, NFa = 32). The analyses of the sequenced specimens confirmed the coexistence of P. rostratus and P. tullbergi at Mount Nimba. One specimen molecularly attributed to P. tullbergi (MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1848) and another to P. rostratus (MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1846) displayed the same karyotype. Because Van der Straten & Verheyen (1981) and Akpatou et al. (2007) found morphometrical differences between these two species, we performed a discriminant analysis on skins and skulls of all the Praomys from our survey. The canonical analysis was performed upon 55 individuals of which 38 were molecularly attributed either to P. rostratus or P. tullbergi and using 10 skull measurements. This allowed us to effectively separate both species with 90.6 % correct classification, after cross-validation, and to confirm the presence of both species on the Guinean and Liberian sides of Mount Nimba (Fig. 9). On the canonical analysis, we found axis 1 is a size axis because all variables were positively correlated and specimens organized by size along this axis. Among the indeterminate specimens in the Lamotte collection, one fitted within P. tullbergi (MNHN-ZM-MO- 1991 - 2135) close to the barycenter and another specimen groups without ambiguity within the P. rostratus group (MNHN-ZM-MO 1986 - 106) (Fig. 9). The newly collected specimens, that were not examined genetically, were classified within P. rostratus. During our recent fieldworks we collected 20 Praomys tullbergi and 41 P. rostratus (all studied genetically or morphometrically) both on the Guinean and the Liberian sides of Mount Nimba. The old Nimba specimens or broken skulls of the newly collected specimens that could not be identified to species level were labeled as Praomys sp. Moreover, one specimen of Praomys daltoni (Thomas, 1892) is recorded in the MNHN collections. It was collected at the Airfield locality, Liberia and would constitute the third species of Praomys from Mount Nimba. The specimen MNHN-ZM-MO- 1992 - 199, was recorded as “ prepared in alcohol, skull prepared ” in the MNHN collection catalogue, but we were unable to locate the skin of this rodent and found only a prepared skull without mandible. There were no external measurements available. The skull and dental morphology only allowed us to attribute it to Praomys sp. Because no P. daltoni have yet been mentioned by previous authors from Mount Nimba we maintain that the species is not present on Mount Nimba Mount. However, this taxon is very widespread in Sahelo-Sudanian savannas (Mikula et al. 2020).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7B47320C99F991FAC183A1.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7B47320C99F991FAC183A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS These small semi-arboreal rodents are well represented at Mount Nimba with 16 new individuals captured in the secondary forest of Serengbara and the gallery forest of Gouan on the Guinean side of the mountain, and 11 on the Liberian side (excluding 25 specimens released during Mission 2). These specimens have a short dense soft pelage of brown-yellow colour. A recent revision of the West and Central African Hylomyscus allowed Nicolas et al. (2020) to confirm that the Mount Nimba specimens are true H. simus (G. M. Allen & Coolidge, 1930) whose holotype was described from Merikay, ‘ interior of Liberia’ with no more specific locality.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7B47320E37FDF4FE488267.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Described from Mount Coffee in Liberia, it was neither recorded by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) nor by Gautun et al. (1986) from the Guinean side of Mount Nimba, perhaps due to a lack of taxonomic knowledge at that time when P. rostratus was typically confounded with P. tullbergi. The Nimba P. rostratus are characterized by a dorsal reddish-brown pelage and a white belly with a grey basis. The tail is longer than HB (mean Tail: HB ratio: 112 %, range: 105 - 128). The main difference between P. rostratus and P. tullbergi is size, with P. rostratus being larger and heavier on average than P. tullbergi. Praomys rostratus has a longer hindfoot (mean: 24.5 mm) but there is some overlap between individuals of both species as presented in Table 7. Like other representatives of the tullbergi complex, the specimens of the Nimba P. rostratus do not harbour any marked fronto-parietal crests. The rostrum is long, the brain case wide and round. The infraorbital foramen stops just at the level of the t 4 of the M 1. The tympanic bullae are small and round. On the upper molars, the t 2 and t 3 cusps are not completely aligned transversally, the t 1 is not isolated. There is the presence of a small t 9. The upper M 3 is small and when unworn displays three main cusps. On the lower molars, one can see a cv 5 on the M / 1 and a posterior cingulum. The lower M / 3 is small but displays two rows of cups.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7B47320E2EF9F1FB6287A4.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The holotype was described in 1892 under the name Mus burtoni by Thomas from Ankober [= Ankobra] River, Wasa, Ashantee, Gold Coast region and in 1894 was renamed to Mus tullbergi because the name burtoni was preoccupied by another species (Thomas 1892, 1894). Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) described two morphs of Praomys that they attributed to P. jacksoni and P. morio. A large form with a long hindfoot that could fit with P. rostratus and a smaller one that could represent P. tullbergi. Coe (1975) recorded 94 specimens attributed to P. tullbergi and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) also recovered more than 100 specimens from the Liberian side of Mount Nimba indicating that they represent a single homogeneous series and named them as P. tullbergi. Gautun et al. (1986) indicated that both species coexist on the Guinean side of Mount Nimba. The Cyt b barcoding has allowed us to attribute old collection specimens to P. tullbergi which confirms previous works. P. tullbergi is very similar in external morphology to P. rostratus in having also a rufous-brown dorsal pelage, a white belly and a tail length longer than HB one (mean: 121,8 %; range: 105 - 136 %) (Table 7). The hindfeet are on average smaller in P. tullbergi than in P. rostratus (21.3 versus 24.5 mm), although there is some overlap here (Table 7). The skull does not display any visible fronto-parietal crest, the nasal is long and relatively narrow in front. The braincase is oval. On the ventral side the infraorbital foramen is long and enters between the molar rows until the prelobe of the upper M 1 /. The tympanic bullae are round and small (Table 8). The molars of the specimens identified by molecular sequencing as P. tullbergi (MNHN-ZM- 2011 - 594) are quite similar to those of P. rostratus. The cusps of the upper M 1 / prelobe are less individualized than in P. rostratus but the difference is subtle.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7A47330F9BFBF1FB9881E7.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Specimens MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1833 to 1836 (SER 173, 163, 172, 186, 191) were molecularly analysed by Nicolas et al. (2020). Moreover, they were karyotyped in the field and their karyotypes were homogeneously determined as 2 N = 48, NFa = 70 formula (Appendix 4). This small rodent has a tail longer than head and body (about 140 - 165 % of HB) and a relatively long hindfoot (15 - 19 mm). It has generally a brown dense short dorsal pelage and a white-grey belly. Hands and feet are pale yellow-white like the tail (Table 7). The Nimba H. simus displays a small and narrow skull without marked fronto-parietal crests. The rostrum is narrow and short. The braincase width does not exceed the width of the zygomatic arches which lends a rectangular shape to the back of the skull. The incisors are orthodont. In ventral view, the incisive foramina end just before the upper M 1 roots, the palate is narrow, the molar rows are parallel, the tympanic bullae are small and flat and the foramen magnum is quite large. The mandibles are short and the region of the apophyses high. Skull measurements are provided in Table 8. The molar rows are small and preserve the usual Praomyini bunodont cusp pattern with small t 3 poorly differentiated from the t 2, a small M 3 / 3 and relatively narrow palate at the t 4 level. On some upper M 1 there is the presence of a longitudinal crest on the t 4 and on the M 2 / on the t 6. On the M 2 / the t 9 is small or absent. The upper M 3 harbours 4 cusps in two laminae with a strong round t 1. On the lower molars the prelobe is related to the first lamina by a small median longitudinal crest. Cusps are slightly compressed labio-lingually and do not alternate. There is a posterior cingulum visible on m 12 and accessory cusps visible on the m 12. The m 3 shows three cusps in two laminae.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7A470C0CE1FA71FE4E867B.taxon	description	(Fig. 10; Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F7A470C0CE1FA71FE4E867B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Two species of Mastomys are known to occur in forest clearings and Guinean savannas of Guinea (Lalis et al. 2009): M. natalensis (Smith, 1834) and M. erythroleucus (Temminck, 1853). These two species are difficult to distinguish morphologically as shown by Denys et al. (2012) and Lalis et al. (2009), but present distinct cytogenetic characters and molecular typing allow their discrimination. Gautun et al. (1986) signalized the capture of two M. erythroleucus in Zouguepo and numerous records of potentially two forms of Mastomys were collected by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958), Coe (1975) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976). We karyotyped two specimens and sequenced 12 others, which has allowed us to recognize the presence of both species in our new material. A canonical analysis performed upon 10 skull measurements shows a large variability and overlap between the species representatives (Fig. 10). The specific identification of the Lamotte collection is difficult without genetic markers but concerning our non-genetically typed specimens from villages in the Ziela region they all fit within the M. natalensis variability. Concerning the MNHN Lamotte collections, identifications at species level are doubtful even with the use of morphometric data, so we retain these old specimens as Mastomys sp.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F45470C0FFEFDF4FD848207.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The specimen MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1770 (NIM 199) displayed the typical standard karyotype of M. erythroleucus (Volobouev et al. 2001; Denys et al. 2009) with 2 N = 38. The three new specimens collected in Mission 1 were barcoded. Mastomys erythroleucus displays a great variability in the pelage coloration and external characters are not always diagnostic so we do not detail more external morphology. The Nimba Mastomys erythroleucus have similar dimensions as their homologues from forest Guinea. Their tail length is slightly smaller than HB. This character is also found in the holotype (Table 7). The new Nimba specimens display well marked CIO, long nasal, no fronto parietal crests and a relatively square braincase. In ventral view, the long incisor foramen enters between the molar rows in the palate and one can observe small tympanic bullae. For skull distances, one can find that M. erythroleucus is characterized by a narrower rostrum than in M. natalensis and by a larger lower molars length (Table 8). As already detailed (Denys & Winkler 2015) there are few dental differences between species of Mastomys of West Africa. Molar characteristics of the Nimba M. erythroleucus fit well with those highlighted in Denys & Winkler (2015): bunodont murine cusp pattern, T 1 posterior to t 2 - t 3, T 1 and t 3 on upper M 2 and t 1 on M 3, 2 lobes on the M 3 / 3. The lower molar row is slightly longer in M. erythroleucus and cingular cusps are more numerous. The upper M 3 / is slightly larger in M. erythroleucus (Table 8).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F45470C0E25F910FC55865A.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Mastomys natalensis is very common in anthropogenic habitats of the forested Guinea (Lalis et al. 2009, 2012). Its was reported by Misonne & Verschuren (1976) in Liberia but they did not collect them. Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) also report it from all Nimba localities but we found this species only on the Guinean side of Mount Nimba. The specimens display the same body size and tail proportion as the other Guinean specimens (Table 7). They are slightly smaller than M. erythroleucus. Mastomys natalensis specimens are slightly smaller than M. erythroleucus, and their molar rows are also on average smaller than those of M. erythroleucus (Table 8). Representatives of this species display very similar morphology compared to M. erythroleucus, except that M. natalensis haS smaller molar rows and the upper M 3 / 3 with a single cusp (instead of two) on the posterior lobe of the upper M 3 /.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F45470D0CF8FA96FE2B85FA.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F45470D0CF8FA96FE2B85FA.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Several authors pointed to the important diversity of Mus spp. in Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire (Rosevear 1969; Kan Kouassi et al. 2008). Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) and Coe (1975) recorded two species, M. setulosus Peters, 1876 and M. musculoides Smith, 1834, on the Guinean and Liberian sides of Mount Nimba. Gautun et al. (1986) did not collected these species while Misonne & Verschuren (1976) were able to catch only one species, which they referred to as M. minutoides Smith, 1834. During our survey we collected many specimens of this genus and have karyotyped five individuals which yielded two distinct chromosomal formulae. First, we obtained karyotypes of Mus setulosus (2 N = 36, NFa = 34) and then of M. minutoides (2 N = 34, NFa = 32). The CytB sequencing of 23 specimens confirmed the presence of both species on Mount Nimba but added one species: M. baoulei Vermeiren & Verheyen, 1980. Unfortunately, no karyotypes were done for this species of which we found only one individual. Mus baoulei was already recorded in eastern Guinea by Kan Kouassi et al. (2008) in Sudanian savanna. Coe (1975) collected small mice he attributed to M. musculoides without further details. Because M. minutoides and M. musculoides are sibling species, they may both occur at Nimba but are basically impossible to distinguish on morphological and morphometrical grounds. Hence, we were unable to identify some specimens to species level.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F44470D0C91F8B3FCED83A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This Muridae subfamily is represented in the Nimba range by two genera: Lophuromys Peters, 1874 and Uranomys Dollman, 1909.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F44470D0CA2FF5AFA9487A4.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The species was recently described and genetically validated by Kan Kouassi et al. (2008) and Bryja et al. (2014). Our single Nimba individual was validated with a blast (Cyt B, reference sequence PX 354162). The species is characterized by a small size, a very short tail (66 % of HB) and the presence of ochre spots below each eye and below each ear. The dorsal pelage is rufous-brown and the ventral pelage white. The tail is bicolored. Its standard external measurements fit well with the other genetically typed specimens of Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire (Table 7). The skull in dorsal view has a relatively long and narrow rostrum. The CIO is wide and the braincase rounded and inflated. The skull displays in ventral view a very long incisor foramen entering in the palate until the t 4 of the upper M 1 /. The incisive foramina are narrower anteriorly. The tympanic bullae are small and rounded. Our new specimen fits well in size with skull measurements of the Côte d’Ivoire and Guinean M. baoulei specimens. The molars rows are relatively long and intermediate in size between those of M. setulosus and M. minutoides (Table 8). The upper M 3 / 3 are very small and reduced to a single lamina.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F44470D0E05FE75FDD68004.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The karyotype of the specimens MNHN-ZM- 2022 - 934 (GBIE- 215) and MNHN-ZM- 2022 - 935 (GBIE- 230) (2 N = 34, NFa = 32) is similar to those of other specimens of the same species collected in north-west and south-west Guinea (Kan Kouassi et al. 2008) (Appendix 4). This small mouse is characterized by a tail length shorter than HB and a relatively brown dorsal pelage and a white belly. Our newly collected specimens are smaller than previously collected ones in other parts of Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. The genetically typed specimens from Guinean and Liberian Nimba display some size differences, especially the HB length and ear length are larger in Liberia (Table 7). Mus minutoides is characterized by a small skull size as well as small molar rows and a tiny laminated M 3 / 3 (Table 8).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F44470D0E15FB16FDDA8381.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The karyotypes of two specimens displayed the standard karyotype for this species (2 N = 36, NFa = 34), the Cyt B sequencing allowed to attribute these specimens to M. setulosus. This karyotype is similar to the one of a M. setulosus from Sangassou (forest Guinea) (Kan Kouassi et al. 2008). The tail length is shorter than HB length. The dorsal pelage is grey light brown and the belly white. There is a line of yellow-light brown hairs at the demarcation between the dorsal and ventral parts. The tail is short and unicolored. This species is characterized by being larger than M. baoulei and M. minutoides (Tables 7; 8). The skull displays a short and wide rostrum, a large CIO and a rounded braincase. In ventral view, the incisive foramina are large and enter into the palate before the first lobe of the M 1 /. The tympanic bullae are small and oval. Mus setulosus skulls display similar sizes on both sides of Mount Nimba. Their respective values of skull distances fit well with previous work for Guinean and Ivorian specimens molecularly typed by Kan Kouassi et al. (2008). Mus setulosus has a longer toothrow compared to M. baoulei and M. minutoides and the m 3 has two lobes as opposed to one in the other species. The prelobe of the upper M 1 is large and not elongated.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F44470D0CEAFB16FB3F82A6.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This commensal rodent was recorded in Guinean Nimba as early as 1958 (Heim de Balsac & Lamotte). There are four specimens from Bossou, Zouguépo, and Nion. Misonne & Verschuren (1976) reported 15 individuals found in new Camp, Grassfield, Yekepa inside houses. Coe (1975) found it abundant in and around houses all over the Nimba area. All recently collected specimens are juveniles whose skull, skin and dentition fit well with R. rattus found elsewhere in Africa (Table 7). The skull is robust with well marked fronto-parietal crests and short and wide nasals. In ventral view the molar rows are parallel and the incisive foramina relatively long ending at the posterior level of the first M 1 / root. The tympanic bullae are round and short.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F47470E0E39F8B0FBDE867B.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F47470E0E39F8B0FBDE867B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Only one species of Lophuromys is known to occur in West Africa: L. sikapusi (Temminck, 1853) initially described from the Gold Coast (Ghana). On Mount Nimba, the species is generally collected in abundance in various environments from savanna to forest both on the Guinean (Heim de Balsac & Lamotte 1958; Gautun et al. 1986) and Liberian sides (Coe 1975; Misonne & Verschuren 1976). Because Gautun et al. (1986) indicated some differences between specimens collected at 1600 m with a karyotype of 2 N = 64, NFa = 76 and specimens collected in Côte d’Ivoire with a karyotype of 2 N = 60, nF = 76 - 70 (Matthey 1958), we paid some attention to morphological and genetical variability of the specimens recovered during our survey.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F47470F0CB1FDF7FDDD86A5.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Most of the Lophuromys captured display the typical red brown pelage, small size, and short tail, which characterizes the sikapusi complex, but some specimens collected at 1600 m altitude in the Mare d’hivernage showed a slightly darker pelage than specimens living at lower altitudes. Such colour variability was also noticed by Roche (1971) for the Seredou (Guinea) Lophuromys series. Three females and six males from three localities and two altitudes (600 and 1200 m) yielded the same karyotype of 2 N = 66, NFa = 76, which differs from known L. sikapusi of Côte d’Ivoire (2 N = 60, 64; NF = 70 - 76, Matthey 1958; Gautun et al. 1986). Previous work in western Guinea indicated that L. sikapusi was characterized by a 2 N = 66, NFa = 74 (Denys et al. 2009). Some molecular analyses (Missoup 2010, pers comm.) confirm that all the Nimba specimens belong to the L. sikapusi clade, but also that a high genetic variability with at least two subclades is present on Mount Nimba. This robust rat harbors short legs, a short tail and short ears and the tail is uniformely naked and black. All newly collected specimens from Guinean and Liberian Nimba fit well in size and proportions with those previously collected despite a wide variability (Table 7). The skull of Lophuromys is relatively large and somewhat triangular in outline. The nasal bone is long and narrow, the IOC very large with sometimes visible bumps. The zygomatic arches are close to the skull and low. The braincase is wide and long. The incisors are either orthodont or proodont. In ventral view the incisive foramina are long and wide and stop between the dental rows at the level of the upper M 1 t 4 cusp. The dental rows are parallel, and the palate is short ending in between the upper M 3. The pterygoid fossae are long and narrow, the tympanic bullae are small, the mastoid part of the bullae is slightly inflated. The mandible is low and long and displays a large variability in size. The lower incisors are long and poorly curved. There is a large size variability but both newly collected specimens from Guinea and Liberia display same range of measurements with slightly smaller mean values in the Guinean populations (Table 8). On the molars, the cusps are high and rounded. On the upper M 1, the t 1 is relatively well individualized and posterior to the t 2 - t 3. The t 3 is not well individualized and its posterior border is oblique with a little crest. Discrete stephanodont crests are visible on some upper molars as well as some supplementary cingular cusplets. The M 3 is small and reduced to two more or less oblique laminae of cusps. On the lower molar rows, the prelobe is fused to the first chevron by a longitudinal crest and the two cusps of the prelobe are separated by a small valley where in some cases a tmA develops. There is a large posterior cingulum on m 1 - 2 and a small antero-labial cusp on m 2. The m 3 is small with two rows of cusps. An important variability of the cusp disposition and of the size of molar rows is observed in the Nimba populations.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F47470E0E36FF55FC86859B.taxon	description	(Tables 7; 8)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F47470E0E36FF55FC86859B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This monospecific genus has a wide disjunct distribution across tropical African savannas (Monadjem et al. 2015) and can be locally abundant. In West Africa it has been recorded from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, and Sierra Leone (Grubb et al. 1998).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F47470E0E37FD94FE7D82A6.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The type specimen came from Mount Elgon (Uganda) but no significant morphological differences were detected to support the presence of a higher diversity in the genus despite some chromosomal variability. The species was reported by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) on the Guinean side of Mount Nimba with two individuals from Ziela and seven specimens from Gouécké. In 1961 Pierre Aguesse collected an additional individual. Since that time no new specimens have been collected by Gautun et al. (1986), Misonne & Verschuren (1976), or Coe (1975). We were unable to trap new specimens during our fieldworks. The Nimba specimens display a grey-brown dense and short dorsal pelage and grey-white belly, not spiny, with a naked short tail. The specimen MNHN-ZM- 1981 - 1123 fits the size range of the Côte d’Ivoire specimens (Table 7). On the ventral part of the skull the palate bone extends above the mesopterygoid fossa as in Acomys I. Geoffroy, 1838. Proodont incisors, a large interorbital constriction, a rounded braincase, and a short nasal rostrum are typical of the species morphology. On ventral view the incisive foramina extend in the palate between the t 1 cusps of M 1. The dental rows are parallel and the tympanic bullae are oblique, oval and small. Skull measurements are provided in Table 8 and the Mount Nimba Uranomys fit well within the variability of other Guinean and Côte d’Ivoire representatives. As in other Deomyinae the U. ruddi molars are constituted by rows of cusps similar to the murinae pattern, with a t 1 and a t 4 on the upper M 1. This subfamily differs from the Murinae by the cusp disposition on the upper M 3 with the absence of t 1 and presence of t 3 and by the very oblique pattern of cusps on this tooth. In one specimen (MNHN-ZM- 1981 - 1123), the whole labial row of cups (t 3, t 6, t 9) is not well distinguished and not separated by a deep valley from the central row of cusps. On the lower molars, cingular cusps are abundant on both lingual and labial sides of m 1.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F46470F0FCBF930FAA987E5.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Olayemi et al. (2012) showed that the western clade of C. emini s. l. is clearly distinct from the eastern clade, hence we refer to specimens from Mount Nimba as Cricetomys cf. emini. A few specimens attributed to this species have been collected mostly in the forests at lower altitudes (Heim de Balsac & Lamotte 1958; Gautun et al. 1986). We did not collect any new specimens but two individuals were observed in TMF during Mission 2, of the western Nimba survey in Liberia. The skins of the two specimens of C. cf. emini (MNHN-ZM-MO- 1987 - 139 and 1991 - 2261) display a harsh pale-yellow pelage and are poorly preserved with no standard external measurements preserved. In fact, C. cf. emini is distinguished from C. gambanius on the basis of its short pelage and well contrasted dorso-ventral pelage. According to Genest-Villard (1967), both species can be discriminated by using a skull ratio. Here our Nimba specimens harbour a bizygomatic / GTL ratio lower than 45.5 that corresponds to C. cf. emini s. l. (Table 9). The skull is large and narrow, with fronto parietal crests well visible. The incisor foramina are short as well as the tympanic bullae. There are no clear molar morphological differences between C. emini and C. gambianus from molar cusps morphology. The upper molars display bunodont cusps with a well isolated, round t 4. Cusps are relatively well aligned, and one can observe small longitudinal connections between rows of cusps. On the upper M 2 - 3 one can see a t 3 and no t 1. The M 3 / 3 are large and are about same size (slightly larger) as the M 2. Many cingular cusplets are visible on the lower molars with a well-marked posterior cingulum.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F46470F0CACFC76FA3183A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The species was reported by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) on a Mount Nimba crest between 1550 and 1750 m. Coe (1975) found one individual at 500 m in the secondary forest and one specimen at 1300 m at the edge of the Parinari forest. Misonne & Verschuren (1976) collected three specimens in New Camp and Iti on the Liberian side of Mount Nimba that they attributed to C. gambianus in ombrophylous forest. We collected one specimen in an Hevea plantation at around 500 m during Mission 3 on the Liberian side of the Mount. Camera traps allowed to vizualize some individuals in lowland forest in Liberia in 2017 (Appendix 8). Coe (1975) indicated the external measurements for seven Cricetomys gambianus which he collected on the Liberian side of the Nimba. Unfortunately these specimens are not housed in the NHM and could not be examined (P. Jenckins pers. comm). We only have the external measurements available (Table 9). The specimen MNHN-ZM-MO- 1981 - 558 from Mount Nimba has no skin available and its broken skull is very damaged (left [premaxillary + maxillary + M 1, two broken mandibles, left with m 2 and right with m 12]) and none of the skull distance measurements could be taken. It is relatively difficult here to confirm whether the Lamotte’s specimen fits well within C. gambianus or not. Our new specimen is smaller than Coe’s specimens (Table 9). Because Coe (1975) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) were aware of the revision of Genest-Villard (1967) we can confirm the coexistence of both species in Mount Nimba.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F46470F0E23FC17FC868227.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The giant pouched rats are relatively abundant in West Africa where they are often associated with anthropogenic habitats. Their taxonomy has been debated for long and a molecular analysis showed that the C. emini (Wroughton, 1910) complex is composed of at least four allopatric clades that should be elevated to species rank (Olayemi et al. 2012). According to these authors C. gambianus Waterhouse, 1840 would be restricted to West African savannas and is also present in Guinea. On Mount Nimba, Lamotte & Heim de Balsac (1958) initially signalized the existence of C. gambianus liberiae Osgood, 1910. Coe (1975) also signalized the presence of C. gambianus as well as Misonne & Verschuren (1976). Gautun et al. (1986) found C. emini in forest of the Zouguepo plateau and Roche (1971) reported C. emini from Seredou (forested Guinea). Mamba et al. (2021) found both species in the same locality of Mount Ziama (Guinea). Bene et al. (2013) listed both species as being sold as bushmeat on the Nimba town markets. In the Guinean side of the mount, 111 specimens belonging to Cricetomys spp. were captured by hunters in 2004 - 2005 (Dufour 2006).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4147080E3EFC77FEC382C6.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The species from Mount Nimba D. lachaisei Denys & Aniskine, 2012 was recorded both during the dry and wet season from Serengbara (600 m), Gouan (1 200 m) and in Mare d’hivernage (1 600 m). Karyotype and the morphological variability were described by Denys & Aniskine (2012) and the chromosome formula is 2 N = 30, aFN = 56. The molecular analysis confirmed the phylogenetic affinities of the Mount Nimba specimens with other West African forms of clade 3, and its close affinities with D. kumasi Bohmann, 1939 from Ghana and its position within the subgenus Dendromus A. Smith, 1829 (Voelker et al. 2021). A total of 15 specimens were recovered in 2008 and 10 specimens collected by Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) from Nion crest and Ziela previously attributed to D. cf. melanotis A. Smith, 1834 have been included under this species name. Only one specimen was recorded by Misonne & Verschuren (1976) on the liberian side at Grassfield.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4147080FEFF953FA318164.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The main description was provided in Denys & Aniskine (2012); we recall here the main characteristics of the species. This small rodent has a rufous brown dorsal pelage without a distinct dorsal stripe (sometimes an inconspicuous one is present), a pure white belly, and a long prehensile tail. On the hindfoot, digit 1 is reduced and digit 5 is long and semiopposable with a claw. The standard external measurements are provided in Table 9. The skull is characterized by a long and narrow rostrum, a well marked interorbital constriction and a round inflated braincase. In ventral view the incisor foramina are long and wide and entering into the palate at the level of the t 4 of the upper M 1 /. The tympanic bullae are large and slightly inflated. The skull measurements are provided in Table 10. The molars, like in all other Dendromus, are characterized by the absence of t 1 on M 1 /, a small M 3 / 3 and some stephanodont crests linking alternate cusps.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4147080C95FAF1FAC88267.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Representatives of various Gliridae were found both in our new samples and in old MNHN collections. External and skull measurements are provided in Tables 11; 12.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4147090CE0F9F0FD2081E7.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958) collected three different species: G. hueti Roquebrune 1883, G. spurelli Dollman, 1912 and G. crassicaudatus (Jentink, 1888). Different revisions of the genus have shown that G. spurelli is a synonym of G. lorraineus Dollman, 1910 and is present on Mount Nimba (Holden 2005). Graphiurus hueti has been put in synonymy with G. nagtglasii Jentink, 1888 and was described from Liberia. Graphiurus lorraineus is relatively common through the whole West and Central Africa and is characterized by a uniform grey pelage color. Graphiurus natglasii and G. crassicaudatus are larger in size and do not correspond to our newly collected specimens. The genus is in urgent need of revision. Misonne & Verschuren (1976) and Coe (1975) indicated the presence of two species on the Liberian side of the mountain with G. hueti (identified as G. natglasii) and G. lorraineus. Mamba et al. (2021) recorded also the same two species on Mount Ziama. We collected a few new specimens of these rodents and examined the old Lamotte collection.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4047090FFCFA70FABC8206.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Two specimens (MNHN-ZM-MO- 1992 - 112, MNHN-ZM-MO- 1992 - 111) are attributed to G. crassicaudatus but none of these has a complete skull or are adult. This species is characterized by a medium size (GLS> 24 mm and <32 mm) (Monadjem et al. 2015), a rufous pelage, and proodont upper incisors. The nasal bone of this species is narrow and does not extend onto the intermaxillary bone and molar rows are larger than in other Gliridae species. Neither Gautun et al. (1986) nor Coe (1975) recovered it on Mount Nimba. Grubb et al. (1998) indicated its presence in Togo and Ghana, while the holotype came from the Du Queah river in Liberia. According to Heim de Balsac & Lamotte (1958), the juvenile specimen attributed to this species is distinguished from G. lorraineus by a very wide interorbital constriction and braincase, and more rounded zygomatic arches. According to these authors this specimen fits well with G. crassicaudatus described from Bouroukerou (Côte d’Ivoire). Specimen MNHN-ZM-MO- 1992 - 112 has a very broken skull, nasals are not preserved but the four molars are erupted. The CIO corresponds to the average values of G. lorraineus but the upper and lower teeth rows are larger (Table 12). The specimen MNHN-ZM-MO- 1992 - 111 is also a juvenile whose upper molars are not all erupted; its incisors are orthodont and the nasal is not extended and narrow. Its CIO corresponds to G. murinus other specimens and the skull is smaller than in other specimens but the lower molar row is larger.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F40470A0C8BF910FDB7851B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Two specimens in a bad state of preservation were recovered from Lamotte’s MNHN collections and compared with one specimen from Seredou (Guinea). Morphometrically, the Nimba specimens fit well with the variability present in this species and with Coe’s (1975) specimens (Table 11). They display a brown grey dorsal and ventral pelage. The skull is massive with a squarish braincase. The tympanic bullae are large and inflated in the mastoid region. The nasal bone is narrow and its suture with the premaxillary bone rectilinear. The incisors are opisthodont (Table 12).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F43470A0CB4FE14FBA281E7.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This species is characterized by the presence of a white stripe on its flanks. Coe (1975) found two specimens of F. pyrrhopus that he observed commonly on the Guinean side of the mountain. Misonne & Verschuren (1976) did not report the species. Two subspecies were described from that region: F. pyrrhopus leucostigma Temminck, 1853 from Ghana and F. pyrrhopus leonis Thomas, 1905 from Sierra Leone. In a revison of Funisciurus, Rosevear (1964) mentioned that F. pyrrhopus is the largest representative of the genus but he could not find skull diagnostic characters, only pelage patterns. Later, Rosevear (1969) provided some skull characters but synonymized all known subspecies. According to Monadjem et al. (2015), F. anerythrus and F. pyrrhopus can be distinguished by the coloration of the face and limbs. A skin from Nimba (MNHN-ZM-MO- 1986 - 90) displays a black dorsal pelage framed by two white-yellow unbroken stripes, while the limbs are reddish-brown like in other F. pyrrhopus specimens. Similarly six specimens from NMK (9, 33, 222, 253, 257, 339) display this characteristic pattern. The belly is yellow-white and the tail black and long with few white tips above, medially rufous below. The species is quite rare in collections. No skull from Mount Nimba could be examined; only a skin without measurements. We recovered one individual with camera traps (Appendix 7 C). Five specimens were captured by hunters in Gbakoré and Seringbara in 2004 - 2005 (Dufour 2006).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F43470A0E24F8B0FBFC851B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This genus is present in forests and Guinean woodlands across West and Central Africa. No new specimens were recovered during our recent surveys. In West Africa potentially three species of the genus are recognized: F. pyrrhopus F. Cuvier, 1833 whose type was described from Gabon, F. substriatus de Winton, 1899 from Ghana, and F. anerythrus found in SW Benin (Monadjem et al. 2015).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F43470A0FD7FE14FEE481C7.taxon	discussion	REMARKS In the MNHN we found five specimens attributed to G. spurelli murinus that fit well with our new specimens from the Guinean and Liberian sides of the mount. In the NMK collection specimens attributed to Graphiurus sp. (NMK 514, 515, 561) were attributed to G. lorraineus by one of us (AM). This small glirid is uniformly grey-brown and displays a relatively long and hairy tail. Its hindfeet are small. The tail color matches the dorsal pelage and reaches 72 to 80 % of HB length in the newly collected specimens but this character appears highly variable. The belly is grey-white. There is no facial mask and no post-auricular patchs. The hindfoot is white. The external standard measurements are given in Table 11 and fit within the species variability. The skull is small with a poorly marked CIO, a short and broad rostrum and a relatively square braincase. The nasal is not straight and it curves downwards onto the side of the snout. There is no fronto-parietal crest. In ventral view the incisive foramina are short. The molars are small and the palate ends just after M 3 /. The tympanic bullae are elongated with traces of septae and are inflated in their middle. The incisors are orange and orthodont. The mandible is low. Skull measurements are provided in Table 12 and fit well with the old Lamotte collection values for Nimba, Seredou and Côte d’Ivoire. Like all Graphiurinae there are four small cheek teeth with laminated lophs and squarish morphology with no further diagnostic features and they are not figured here.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F43470A0C87F9D0FAD383A1.taxon	description	(Table 11)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F43470A0C87F9D0FAD383A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS A single species of Aethosciurus occurs in West Africa: P. A. poensis A. Smith, 1830. Two specimens were captured by M. Lamotte on Mount Nimba (MNHN-ZM- 1987 - 135 and MNHN-ZM- 2001 - 1275). Misonne & Verschuren (1976) found two specimens in Liberia and Coe (1975) found four individuals. Six specimens were recorded in NMK (NMK 96, 254, 263, 285, 290, 337). No new specimens were collected during our surveys but in 2017 one specimen was caught by a camera-trap on the Liberian side (Appendix 7 B).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F43470A0E3BFA51FC8682E7.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Sciurids are not generally captured by Sherman or pitfall traps, so we could only here provide old collections records and visual field observations. In West and Central Africa, this family is highly diversified into seven genera (Monadjem et al. 2015).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F42470B0CBBFBD6FB8B83A6.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Heliosciurus gambianus is distinguished from the two other West African species by a light grey-brown ventral pelage as opposed to H. punctatus which has a dark ventral pelage and from H. rufobrachium which displays brown red-ventral pelage especially under forearms and hindlegs. Heliosciurus punctatus was described in Mount Nimba as a subspecies of H. gambianus by Misonne & Verschuren (1976) and Coe (1975) who reported its presence from the Liberian side of the mountain. In the MNHN collections we recovered some specimens attributed to H. gambianus and others to H. punctatus that allow to conclude that both species occur on Mount Nimba. The specimens attributed to H. gambianus (MNHN-ZM- 1986 - 91, 1986 - 93 and 1983 - 94) display a light grey dorsal pelage and the belly is light brown-yellow not contrasting with the dorsal pelage speckled with white and brown hair. The tail is long and harbors some black ridges and a black tip; the feet are white. This morphology fits well with Rosevear’s (1969) and Monadjem et al. ’ s (2015) descriptions of H. gambianus. No external measurements were provided with the Nimba specimens. No skull was found associated with the Nimba specimens so we could not document their morphology and size. According to Monadjem et al. (2015), the GLS of the skull is between 42.5 and 51.6 mm, with an average of 47.4 mm.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F42470B0E21F930FB4F8044.taxon	description	(Tables 11; 12)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F42470B0E21F930FB4F8044.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The so-called sun squirrels of the genus Heliosciurus are distributed throughout all tropical Africa and represented by six species among which three occur in West Africa (Monadjem et al. 2015): H. gambianus (Ogilby, 1835), H. punctatus (Temminck, 1853) and H. rufobrachium (Waterhouse, 1842). The three species are known to occur on Mount Nimba and in the surrounding regions. The species H. punctatus was previously synonymised with gambianus, but it has recently been rehabilitated. We have found both species in the NHM collections obtained from Mount Nimba.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F42470B0F94FC17FE7E8227.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This squirrel does not display any flank stripe and is uniformly colored in a dark brown-grey pelage. It is a rather small squirrel with no rufous marks on its limbs. The Nimba specimen had no external measurements but fits in size with the Seredou specimens described by Roche (1971). The HF is between 36 and 40 mm long in Nimba. The tail, which is longer than HB, does not display any colored rings and has the same color as the dorsal pelage. The terminal tuft is small (around 4 cm long) and sparsely haired. The ventral pelage is ochraceous yellow-grey. The size variability of the species is not well known (Table 11). The incisors are orange and orthodont. The skull is small to medium in size and its proportions fit well with the described specimens, with a GLS <40 mm and the presence of a P 3 / at the upper tooth row. We were unable to measure the Nimba specimens, whose skulls were all broken. The bullae display a slight trace of a transbular septum but according to Moore (1959) there may be 1 to 2 septa visible in the genus.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47040C9DFD37FC3181E4.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This endemic species is known only from the Upper Guinea forests of West Africa occurring in Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Ghana (Monadjem et al. 2015). It was recorded only by Coe (1975) from the Liberian side of Nimba (NHM 46.415) and further three specimens are recorded in NMK (NMK 306, 385, and 437). The pelage was described by Rosevear (1969) as dense, silky fine and uniform dark brown finely ticked with grey or yellow hairs. The underside is paler and greener. The tail is black above and paler at the tip and it is longer than HB. The weight is between 429 and 498 g (average: 470.7 g) (Table 11). The skull is large and heavily domed in the rostrum and parieto-occipital region. The incisors are orange and the postorbital process forms a deep notch at the back of the interorbital constriction region. The molar rows are small and there is a P 3 /. The tympanic bullae are round and marks of transbullar septae are not visible. There is no masseteric tubercle visible The skull measurements are provided in Table 12.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47040C95FF55FA2C863A.taxon	description	(Tables 11; 12)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47040C95FF55FA2C863A.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This genus is endemic to West African Guinean forests. It is monospecific and was considered as a distinct genus from Protoxerus by Thomas (1909), Rosevear (1969) and Grubb et al. (1998) based on its skull and pelage differences. However, this was not accepted by Thorington et al. (2012) nor by Koprowski et al. (2016) without any new phylogenetical analyses. Grubb (2013) and Monadjem et al. (2015) considering the numerous morphological differences of the specimens attributed to this species retained it in the genus Allosciurus.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47040FC3FF55FE5B8705.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The Nimba specimen MNHN-ZM-MO- 1983 - 92 is a juvenile that has short red-brown hair speckled with black and white above. The belly is light grey. The tail is long with a terminal long black tuft and is unicolored in its anterior part and some brown spots arranged in rings become more visible in the posterior part. This specimen is similar to the specimen H. punctatus MNHN-ZM-MO- 1970 - 520 from Seredou (Roche 1971). The Nimba specimen measurements are relatively small compared to the Coe’s (1975) specimens probably because they are juveniles (Tables 11; 12). According to Monadjem et al. (2015) the GLS skull is between 41.3 and 48 mm with an average of 45 mm. Some variability is observed between the specimens belonging to this species. There is an urgent need for a taxonomic revision.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47040FE7FC16FE4083A6.taxon	discussion	REMARKS We did not collected any new specimen of H. rufobrachium during our survey but Monadjem took pictures of this species in West Nimba (Appendix 7). Heim de Balsac collected three specimens (MNHN) from the Nimba massif on the Côte d’Ivoire side with no specific locality. Misonne & Verschuren (1976) collected only one specimen in Liberia. In NMK, three specimens were found but only two with museum numbers: NMK 326 and 378. The species is also known under the subspecies name H. rufobrachium maculatus (Temminck, 1853) from Seredou (Ziama massif, Guinea) (Roche 1971). Two specimens were found hunted in Serengbara in 2004 - 2005 (Dufour 2006). The Nimba H. rufobrachium is characterized, compared to H. punctatus, by bright red or reddish-brown limbs contrasting with the dark brown dorsal pelage. The dorsal hairs are speckled with white and yellow. The head is of the same color as the dorsal part. The tail is longer than HB and has black dorsal hairs speckled with white-yellow and a very small terminal tuft (Appendix 7). The external measurements are provided in Table 11. As in the other Heliosciurus species, the skull is of medium size and has well marked post orbital processes. The nasals are short and domed The incisors are orange and proodont. There are small incisive foramina and a marked masseteric tubercle. The P 3 is small and the tympanic bullae are homogeneously curved and do not harbour signs of transbular septa externally. The skull dimensions of the Nimba specimen fit well within the variability observed for the species in Seredou and in the NHM specimens (Table 12) and with the redescription of the species by Thomas et al. (2019).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47040CBDFA71FB2F8301.taxon	description	(Tables 11; 12)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47040CBDFA71FB2F8301.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This largest African squirrel occurs in rainforest from Sierra Leone to Kenya. It is an arboreal species. In a molecular phylogeny of the Sciuridae, Protoxerus is sister to a clade including Paraxerus and Funisciurus (Steppan et al. 2004), however, neither Allosciurus nor Epixerus were included in that phylogeny. One species is recognized in the genus, which requires further taxonomic revision.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4D47050CB5F810FE1087A5.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Lamotte (1966) collected one specimen of this giant squirrel on the Guinean side of the mountain (MNHN-ZM-MO- 1987 - 132) and Roche (1971) mentioned the species from Seredou. It was not reported by Misonne & Verschuren (1976) from the Liberian side but Coe (1975) collected three specimens attributed to P. stangeri temmincki Anderson, 1879. Five specimens are recorded in the NMK (NMK 336, 383, 392, 451, and 490). The species was identified as bushmeat sold in Yekepa and Saniquellie markets by Bene et al. (2013). One individual was caught by a camera-trap in 2017 on the Liberian Nimba in lowland forest (Appendix 7). In the Guinean side of the Mount, 20 specimens were captured by hunters in Gbakoré, Zouguépo and Séringbara (Dufour 2006). The giant squirrel is characterized by a dark brown dorsal pelage, speckled with black and white hairs, and a relatively small tail with black rings and a brown tuft of hairs. There is no lateral stripe. The standard external measurements are provided in Table 11. The skull is large with a short nasal not domed and the post orbital notch situated in the anterior part of the CIO. In ventral view there is no P 3 and only four jugal teeth. The molar rows are quite large and a masseteric knob is present. The tympanic bullae are long and in a single curvature with no trace of transbullae septa. The skull measurements are provided in Table 12.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4C47050E2AF990FE2E83A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This squirrel was not found in our recent surveys nor by Misonne & Verschuren (1976). Coe (1975) describes a single specimen of Epixerus ebii Temminck, 1853 that he attributed to the jonesi subspecies but the specimen cannot be found in the NHM collections (P. Jenkins pers. comm.). However, four specimens of E. ebii from Nimba are housed in NMK (NMK 348, 432, 448, 462). It is a large squirrel with rich orange-brown colored dorsal pelage and forelimbs. The tail is slightly longer than HB and has a black and white color.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4C47050E00FBB6FE238187.taxon	description	(Table 11)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4C47050E00FBB6FE238187.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This monospecific genus occurs in Upper Guinea rainforest of West and Central Africa (Monadjem et al. 2015). This is a ground squirrel that is recorded in Liberia, Sierra Leone and extreme South Guinea (Grubb et al. 1998, Koprowski et al. 2016). Hayman (1954) described the species E. jonesi from Sierra Leone but in a comprehensive revision of the genus, Kuhn (1964) concluded to its synonymy with E. ebii. Following Koprowski et al. (2016) we assigned the Mount Nimba specimens to E. ebii jonesi.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4C47060CEDFE9BFEF7851B.taxon	description	(Tables 11; 12)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4C47060CEDFE9BFEF7851B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The species initially described as Sciurus erythropus E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1803 was placed into Euxerus Thomas, 1909 by Rosevear (1969). Various revisions then placed Euxerus as a subgenus of Xerus until recent rehabilitation by Krystufek et al. (2016) following molecular analyses. The genus is abundant and easily observed both on the Guinean and Liberian slopes of Mount Nimba. We did not captured any specimens in our recent surveys but Lamotte and collaborators found it on the Guinean Mount Nimba and in Ziela. Coe (1975) reported the common presence of the species, which he named E. erythropus maestus Thomas, 1910. Euxerus e. maestus holotype comes from Daru in Sierra Leone. Rosevear (1969) indicated that Euxerus e. microdon Thomas, 1905 which was described from Kitui, Kenya, is distributed in Guinean woodlands from Senegal to Kenya. But, in the absence of revision of this species we cannot assign our Nimba specimens either to E. e. maestus or to E. e. microdon. Roche (1971) also recorded the subspecies E. e. maestus from Seredou (Guinea) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) collected a single male from the basis of Liberian Nimba. At NMK one can find one specimen from Nimba (NMK 434). On the Guinean side, E. erythropus was seen on the Gouan camp road at 1200 m on 28 February 2008 in the morning, in the gallery forest / Protea Savannah ecotone. Coe (1975) indicated this squirrel to be present along track sides, farms and in grassland outliers and this author suggested the species benefited from anthropogenic activities and that it is not a true forest-dwelling species. Misonne & Verschuren (1976) observed it regularly on the road between Yekepa and Grassfield. During the Liberian surveys A. M. recorded sightings at TMF, and ENNR regularly around Yekepa, especially in the farming communities. In 2022 it was observed between Gbarpa and Camp 4 by A. M. According to Bene et al. (2013) this species was found regularly sold as bushmeat in the markets and restaurants of Yekepa and Saniquellie. The species was found hunted in Gbakoré, Séringbara and Zouguépo on the Guinean side of the Mount (Dufour 2006). The pelage of this squirrel is coarse and brittle with brown dorsal color. Two white lateral stripes are well visible. The belly and throat are white. The limbs are a pale fawn above. The ears are bare with very short pale buff hairs and a small white patch below the eyes. The tail length is shorter than HB and the hairs are long, black and white and there is no terminal tuft. The standard external measurements are provided in Table 11. The skull is long and narrow compared to other West African squirrels. The rostrum is relatively long and not domed. The postorbital process is small and situated at the back of the interorbital constriction and there is a small notch in the supraorbital crest. The incisors are orange and opistodonth. In ventral view one can see a strong masseteric knob, a tiny P 3 / and a relatively large upper tooth row. The tympanic bullae are large and inflated, the palate extends behind the molar rows (see also Herron & Watermann 2004). The skull dimensions are provided in Table 12.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4F47060FD1FDF4FC8987A5.taxon	description	(Table 11)	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4F47060FD1FDF4FC8987A5.taxon	discussion	REMARKS In West Africa two species of the genus are encountered. They are arboreal and found in lowland and montane forests. At Mount Nimba, two species were collected during past fieldwork on the Liberian side. No new specimens were found or seen and no old collections from the Guinean Nimba were available, but the genus is known from Seredou (Roche 1971).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4F47060C96FF55FC18873A.taxon	discussion	REMARKS This slightly smaller species was collected by Coe (1975) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) on the Liberian side of the Mount. We were unable to find any specimen in the MNHN Lamotte’s collection. Two specimens are preserved in NMK (NMK 393 and NMK 110: Appendix 7). Roche (1971) reported a single individual from Seredou (Guinea). This species is characterized by a large variability of color and fur pattern (Rosevear 1969; Schunke & Hutterer 2005). It can be distinguished from A. derbianus by a tail that does not end in a black terminal brush and there may be some orange color in the ventral pelage (Monadjem et al. 2015). We could not find any collection specimen with an intact skull. The GLS of the two NMK specimens were 56.0 and 52.3 mm.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4F47060E23FBB6FE1983A6.taxon	discussion	REMARKS No record of this species was obtained by Lamotte and collaborators on the Guinean side of the mountain. However, it was collected by Coe (1975) and Misonne & Verschuren (1976) on the Liberian side. Anomalurus derbianus is a medium sized scaly-tailed flying squirrel which displays a grey more or less silvery dorsal pelage that fits well with the description of the A. derbianus holotype (Appendix 7). Coe (1975) also described the specimens from Liberian Mount Nimba as pale uniform olive grey above and pale grey below. Another characteristic of this species concerns the length of the tail, which is shorter than HB (Rosevear 1969). The specimen collected by Coe (1975) was small compared to other literature data (Table 11). According to Rosevear (1969), anomalurid skulls are very homogeneous and only size can allow to distinguish between the species. For A. derbianus the GLS is over 50 mm. The skull is robust with a very wide triangular shape and bizygomatic width, a large CIO and a short nasal. There is a marked postorbital process situated at the back of the supraorbital ridge. The incisors are yellow and orthodont, the molar rows bear five jugal teeth (P 3 to M 3) and the palate is not extended past M 3 /. The tympanic bullae are long and slender and slightly inflated. The species displays high-crowned flat molars with roots hardly visible and a pentalophodont pattern.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4F47060CECFB96FB7083A1.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The long-eared scaly-tailed flying squirrel was not captured during our recent surveys but was collected by Coe (1975) in Liberia and Forbes-Watson (unpublished) confirmed their presence in Grassfield (Liberia) and collected nine specimens. In NMK we examined four specimens (NMK 540, 393, 539, and 560) (Appendix 7). It was neither recorded by Lamotte and collaborators nor by Roche (1971) in Seredou (Guinea). More recent records in the region were accidentally captured with bat nets in 2010 in the Putu Mountains of Liberia and in 2009 at Gola Rainforest National Park in Sierra Leone (Decher & Weber 2015). The size and shape variability of this rare rodent was studied by Schunke & Hutterer (2007) who demonstrated that only I. macrotis is present in West Africa. In West Africa, the species occurs in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria, then in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, and disjunct in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Tanzania (Schunke & Hutterer 2007). Idiurus macrotis is characterized by a relative small size and the presence of a flight membrane between limbs and enclosing the tail. The tail is longer than HB, with long hair ending in a tuft of sparse and not very dense long hairs. The dorsal pelage is pale grey-brown and there is no color difference to the ventral side. The GLS of the skull in West Africa is between 24.8 and 26.8 mm (Table 11).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4E47070E33F893FAB1859B.taxon	discussion	REMARKS The brush-tailed porcupine is hunted for bushmeat trade and regularly seen in local markets. Coe (1975) mentioned one specimen from the Liberian side and and another was found in NMK (NMK 568). Misonne & Verschuren (1976) also recorded some specimens in forest and in Cassava fields at Grassfield. During our Liberian survey we collected porcupine spines in the cave of Picathartes on 29 Feb. 08 close to a gallery forest at 807 m (07 ° 41 ’ 40.8 ” N, 08 ° 23 ’ 21.6 ” W) which probably belonged to A. africanus and many individuals were observed in camera-traps in 2017 (Appendix 8).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4E47070FDBFAD1FD2282C7.taxon	discussion	REMARKS In sub-Saharan Africa two genera are recorded: Hystrix Linnaeus, 1758 and Atherurus Cuvier, 1829. Atherurus is considered a forest inhabitant while Hystrix is more a savanna species. Both genera are found on Mount Nimba but are rarely seen. They are both highly appreciated bushmeat and are sold in the markets and restaurants in Yekepa, Saniquellie and other Guinean villages (Dufour 2006; Bene et al. 2013).	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4E47070CE1FDD4FC468064.taxon	discussion	REMARKS Misonne & Verschuren (1976) reported this species presence on the basis of spines collected in small caves near Grassfield on the Liberian side of the mountain. We were unable to detect any signs of this species during our surveys. Grubb et al. (1998) reported the presence of Hystrix in Ghana, Sierra Leone and the Gambia where it was found in woodland and savanna habitats. This species was not mentioned as bushmeat by Bene et al. (2013) but Dufour (2006) mentioned the capture of one individual in Zouguépo.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
03D087E99F4E47070FECFED4FE1A8144.taxon	discussion	REMARKS A damaged skull (MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1807) and a mandible with juvenile molars (MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1806) were collected in the grassland of the Mare d’hivernage at 1655 m and some living animals of this genus were observed on various occasions. The only species of cane-rat recorded in West Africa is T. swinderianus, which is very common in all moist grasslands and swamps. This rodent was neither reported from Mount Nimba by Gautun et al. (1986), nor by Coe (1975). Misonne & Verschuren (1976) did not collect it, but indicated characteristic tracks and runways in altitude savanna at Mount Richard Molard and in Duleyela. In the Guinean side of the Mount, 70 individuals of T. swinderianus were captured by hunters in 2004 - 2005 (Dufour 2006). We assign the two specimens to the species T. swinderianus because the other species, T. gregorianus, does not occur in West Africa (Monadjem et al. 2015). The broken skull MNHN-ZM- 1807 shows a large orange striated incisor with three grooves. The specimen had been burnt (human consumption? or seasonal fire?). It is a juvenile because only two molars are visible in the upper maxillae. The mandible MNHN-ZM- 2021 - 1806 displays only three molars and no DP / 4. The skull MNHN-ZM-MO- 1987 - 128 from Lamotte’s collection also displays naso-frontal suture rectilinear and the trilophodont molars, the dental morphology typical of T. swinderianus.	en	Denys, Christiane, Missoup, Alain Didier, Nicolas, Violaine, Sylla, Morlaye, Douno, Mory, Kadjo, Blaise, Lalis, Aude, Monadjem, Ara (2025): Annotated checklist of rodents from a biodiversity hotspot, Mount Nimba (West Africa). Zoosystema 47 (27): 617-689, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a27, URL: https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/sites/default/files/articles/pdf/zoosystema2025v47a27.pdf
