Kariotipic characterization and new record of distribution of Salinomys delicatus (Rodentia, Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae)

LANZONE CECILIA; OJEDA RICARDO ALBERTO; ALBANESE MARÍA SOLEDAD; RODRÍGUEZ MARÍA DANIELA; MARIANA ANA DACAR

MASTOZOOLOGí­A NEOTROPICAL

Zeta Editores

Lugar: Mendoza; Año: 2005 p. 257 - 260

0327-9383

The delicate mouse, Salinomys  delicatus, is a small phyllotine rodent with a narrow distribution in the central aridlands of Argentina. The biology of this monotypic genus is basically unknown, and its records of occupancy are associated to salt flats and sand-dune habitats in the temperate Monte desert and Monte–Chaco ecotonal areas. This species is known for just six localities and the northernmost record was mentioned for Salinas Grandes and La Antigua salt flats, La Rioja Province. The delicate mouse shows ecophysiological specializations for a xeric existence, such as elongated renal papillae and one of the highest renal indices and urine concentrations among phyllotines and other world desert rodents. The purpose of this note is to report for the first time the description of the karyotype, and a new record of distribution for S. delicatus.