Complete mitogenomes reveal limited genetic variability in the garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus of the Iberian Peninsula

The garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus is a poorly known Western Palearctic species experiencing a global decline. Even though the availability of genetic information is key to assess the driversunderlying demographic changes in wild populations and plan adequate management, data on E. quercinus are still scant. In this study, we reconstructed the complete mitogenomes of four E. quercinus individuals from southern Spain using in–solution enriched libraries, and found evidence of limited genetic variability. We then compared their cytochrome b sequences to those of conspecifics from other countries and supported the divergent but genetically depauperate position of this evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). The information produced will assist future conservation studies on this little–studied rodent.

The diversity of small mammals in Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Terengganu, Malaysia

Islands are generally rich in marine biodiversity, but it also often hides unique and endemic terrestrial wildlife.  The data of terrestrial wildlife in Malaysian islands are still severely lacking, notably from small islands.  Hence, this study was conducted to survey and update the small mammal diversity (bats and non-volant small mammals) in Pulau Perhentian Kecil, a tourist destination famous for its magnificent, diverse marine life and white sandy beaches.  Despite their touristic popularity, very few information is known about the faunal diversity in this island compare to their more massive neighbouring island, Pulau Perhentian Besar.  The survey was carried out from 21 to 30 May 2014 recorded 56 individuals encompasses eight species of bats and five species of non-volant small mammals that were captured using mist nets, harp traps, and cage traps.  The survey recorded 10 new species locality records for the island in which, five species were never recorded in Pulau Perhentian Besar.  Hipposideros dyacorum, Tylonycteris fulvida, T. malayana, Rattus exulans, and Sundamys annandalei are also new distribution records for the Malaysian East Coast islands highlighting the importance of protecting island biodiversity.  Nonetheless, it is hoped that this study not only highlights the species diversity on the island but also serve as a data for sustainable island tourism management planning, which will be crucial for the sustainable development and management of this ecologically sensitive area.