Calomyscus urartensis, Vorontsov & Kartavseva, 1979

Don E. Wilson, Russell A. Mittermeier & Thomas E. Lacher, Jr, 2017, Calomyscidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 7 Rodents II, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 144-155 : 155

7.

Urar Brush-tailed Mouse

Calomyscus urartensis

French: Calomysque d’Azerbaidjan / German: Transkaukasus-Maushamster / Spanish: Raton de cola de cepillo de Urartu

Other common names: Iranian Long-tailed Hamster, Persian Hamster, Urar Calomyscus, Urar Mouse-tailed Hamster, Urartsk Mouse-like Hamster

Taxonomy. Calomyscus urartensis Vorontsov & Kartavseva, 1979 ,

7 Km N Dzhul’ta , Alindzhachai River , Nakhichevanskaya, Azerbaijan.

Calomyscus urartensis was recognized primarily based on its karyotypic differentiation, 2n = 32 and FNa = 42, rather than morphological differentiation. It is described as being considerably larger than C. hotsoni but only slightly larger than C. mystax . Karyotype with 2n = 32 and FNa = 42 1s considered characteristic of C. urartensis . Nevertheless, Z. Mohammadi and colleagues in 2013 reported a karyotype with 2n = 28 and FNa = 44 from Kordasht village near Jolfa in East Azerbaijan Province, north-western Iran. Molecular phylogenetic studies of mtDNA markers have placed C. wrartensis as the sister taxon of C. mystax . Hybridization experiments with C. mystax —the species with which it is molecularly, chromosomally, and morphologically similar—support separate species status. Multivariate analyses of cranial and dental measurements support recognition as a phenetic species, and molecular phylogenetic analyses support recognition as a phylogenetic species. Monotypic.

Distribution. SW Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan) and extreme NW Iran (Azerbaijan provinces); it may occur in S & SE Turkey (Gaziantep and Hakkari provinces).

Descriptive notes. Head—body 78-91 mm,tail 75-93 mm, ear 19-20 mm, hindfoot 19-22 mm; weight 15-39 g. Tail of the Urar Brush-tailed Mouse is bicolored, frequently with a white-tip. Ventral pelage has yellowish tint unlike other species of brush-tailed mice where it is pure white. Greatest lengths ofskulls are 24-4-25-6 mm, and zygomatic breadths are 12-3-12-7 mm.

Habitat. Rocky slopes ofdry canyons with natural openings between rocks that provide shelter in Azerbaijan and limestone scree-covered slopes of mountains sparsely vegetated with grasses and thistle in north-western Iran.

Food and Feeding. The Urar Brush-tailed Mouse feeds on seeds and fruits and rarely flowers and leaves. It does not eat insects or bird eggs or lizards in captivity.

Breeding. Young Urar Brush-tailed Mice are predominantly born in March—June, and some females produce two litters during this period. Females collected in early October had small uterine swellings but no visible embryos. Litter sizes are 3-5 young, born naked and with eyes closed. Eyes reportedly open 12-20 days after birth. Lower and upper incisors erupt 10-13 days and 10-18 days following birth, respectively. Young are covered with gray pelage at c¢.2 weeks of age and reach adult size and color at 6-8 months of age.

Activity patterns. In summer, Urar Brush-tailed Mice are active only at night, but in winter, they are active during the day.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. No information.

Status and Conservation. Classified as Least Concern on The IUCN Red List. There are no known conservation threats to the Urar Brush-tailed Mouse.

Bibliography. Akbarirad et al. (2016a, 2016c), Darvish, Mohammadi, Mahmoudi & Siahsavie (2014), Gambarian & Martirosyan (1960), Graphodatsky et al. (2000), Krystufek & Vohralik (2009), Lay (1967), Lebedev et al. (1998), Matthey (1961), Meyer & Malikov (1995, 1996), Mohammadi et al. (2013), Norris et al. (2003), Radjabli (1975), Vorontsov et al. (1979).

Figures

1. Zagros Mountains Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus bailwardi), 2. Hotson’s Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus hotsoni), 3. Pakistan Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus baluchi), 4. Great Balkhan Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus mystax), 5. Goodwin's Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus elburzensis), 6. Noble Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus grands), 7. Urar Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus urartensis), 8. Syrian Brush-tailed Mouse (Calomyscus tsolovi)

Distribution. SW Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan) and extreme NW Iran (Azerbaijan provinces); it may occur in S & SE Turkey (Gaziantep and Hakkari provinces).