Integrative taxonomy of extant maras supports the recognition of the genera Pediolagus and Dolichotis within the Dolichotinae rodents (Rodentia, Caviidae)

CAMPO, D. H.; CARABALLO, D. A.; CASSINI, G. H.; LUCERO, S. O.; TETA, P.

JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY

ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP DIVISION ALLEN PRESS

Lugar: Lawrence; Año: 2020 vol. 101 p. 817 - 834

0022-2372

The subfamily Dolichotinae (Rodentia, Caviidae) includes two living species (Dolichotis patagonum and D. salinicola) of cursorial, long-legged rodents that inhabit semiarid thorn scrubs and shrublands in southern South America. Some authors consider that the morphological differences between D. patagonum and D. salinicola warrant circumscription of the latter in its own genus, Pediolagus. We generated a phylogeny and divergence times estimates based on molecular data, as well as a qualitative and quantitative assessment of morphological differences. These indicated that the distinction between Dolichotis and Pediolagus is equal to or greater than differences seen for other intergeneric comparisons within Cavioidea. Based on these results, we argue that the taxonomic designations of Dolichotis and Pediolagus should be retained.