By Kasun Warakapitiya Research on the endemic spiny mouse has underscored the need for more targeted studies to identify its ecological requirements, population structure, and potential threats. The newly identified mouse species was detected in the Dumbara (Knuckles) mountain range. It was named the Dumbara Valley spiny mouse, or ‘Dumbara Katu Heen Meeya’ in Sinhala, [...]
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Research on the endemic spiny mouse has underscored the need for more targeted studies to identify its ecological requirements, population structure, and potential threats.
The newly identified mouse species was detected in the Dumbara (Knuckles) mountain range. It was named the Dumbara Valley spiny mouse, or ‘ Dumbara Katu Heen Meeya’ in Sinhala, though its scientific name is ‘ Mus Dumbara ‘.
Researchers Suyama H. Boyagoda, Madhava Meegaskumbura, and Kelum Manamendra-Arachchi note that the Dumbara Valley spiny mouse, confined to isolated small mountain ranges, is particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change; therefore, further studies are crucial for its conservation.
Their research also shows that the biogeographic isolation of the Knuckles Mountain Range has contributed to the endemic evolutionary trajectory of this newly identified species. Moreover, the research suggests that future studies integrating phylogenetic, ecological, and climatic perspectives could deepen our understanding of how montane ecosystems drive speciation and endemism in small tropical island mammals.
According to research, this species is assigned to the subgenus Pyromys on the basis of two defining cranial characteristics: the presence of a supraorbital ridge and incisive foramina that extend to the mid-length of the first upper molar.
The newly identified species is characterised by a tail distinctly longer than its combined head and body length and a moderately prominent supraorbital ridge which is clearer at the junction between the parietal and frontal upon the orbit.
Genetic analysis has confirmed the distinctiveness of the new species.
The research was carried out by collecting two specimens in a forest surrounding a paddy field in Puwakpitiya, a Dumbara Mountain Range valley in the Matale District. The mice were captured by using unbaited pitfall traps set between 45 cm high drift fences – 30–50 m long – and 100 Sherman traps baited with pieces of roasted coconut. The first specimen was trapped in a pitfall while the second was captured using a Sherman trap.
A muscle tissue sample was preserved in 90% ethanol for DNA extraction. Skulls were removed, boiled in water, cleaned with fine forceps and a toothbrush, and dried. Skins were dried and preserved. Both the holotype and the paratype of the new species are deposited in the National Museum of Sri Lanka.
Earlier efforts in 2014 and 2015 were not successful despite the investment in 1900 trap nights employing the same trapping methods.
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