Karim Souttou

First molecular evidence for the presence of Gerbillus latastei (Rodentia, Muridae) in Algeria

Abstract Recent small mammal surveys in central Algeria (Hadjeb El Djmel, 50 km of Djelfa) allowed us to mention for the first time the presence of Gerbillus latastei in this country, and to extend its geographical range of about 410 km to the west. Our cytochrome b sequencing analyses show that the new Algerian population clusters with the Tunisian one, without phylogeographical structure within this species. Our phylogenetic analyses allowed to precisely determine the phylogenetic relationship of G. latastei among the Gerbillinae. It belongs to the subgenus Gerbillus and seems to be close to two endemic Moroccan species (G. hoogstrali and G. hesperinus). Further works will be necessary to better understand the ecology, distribution, and phylogenetic history of this species.