Recent phylogenetic studies and taxonomic reviews have led to nearly complete resolution of the phylogenetic divisions within the old world rats and mice (Muridae, Murinae). The Micromys division and Pithecheir division are two notable exceptions where groupings of species into these divisions based on morphology and arboreal lifestyle have not been supported by phylogenetic evidence. Several enigmatic species from these divis...

In highly fluctuating populations with complex social systems, genetic patterns are likely to vary in space and time due to demographic and behavioural processes. Cyclic rodents are extreme examples of demographically instable populations that often exhibit strong social organization. In such populations, kin structure and spacing behaviour may vary with density fluctuations and impact both the composition and spatial structur...

Black rats are major invasive vertebrate pests with severe ecological, economic and health impacts. Remarkably, their evolutionary history has received little attention, and there is no firm agreement on how many species should be recognized within the black rat complex. This species complex is native to I ndia and S outheast A sia. According to current taxonomic classification, there are three taxa living in sympatry in sever...