Reassessing the diversity and distribution of African rope squirrels (Funisciurus Trouessart, 1880)

The diversity, taxonomy, distribution and ecology of sub-Saharan tree squirrels remain under-researched. This study aims to elucidate the diversity and distribution of rope squirrels, genus Funisciurus Trouessart 1880, in the Congo Basin. We assembled the most comprehensive genetic and morphometric data set to date, on a significant portion of the geographical and taxonomic range of these squirrels (470 specimens from seven provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo). We identified six main taxa: a previously undescribed Funisciurus species (here, Fx), three allopatric taxa of Funisciurus anerythrus (Fc, FaRB and FaLB), and two sympatric genetically distinct taxa (FbLB1, FbLB2), potentially belonging to a Funisciurus bayonii species complex. We then mapped their distribution, showing that the Congo and Kasai Rivers represent significant biogeographical barriers limiting the distribution of Funisciurus species. In addition to providing a baseline for research on the impact of climate change and habitat degradation on the abundance and distribution of rope squirrels, our findings support research on the role of rope squirrel species in the transmission of pathogens of public health importance. Teaser textWe studied the diversity and distribution of rope squirrels, genus Funisciurus Trouessart 1880, in the Congo Basin. By gathering the most comprehensive genetic and morphometric data to date on a significant part of the geographical and taxonomic range of these squirrels (specimens from seven provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo), we identified six main taxa: one previously undescribed species, three allopatric taxa, and two genetically distinct sympatric taxa. We then mapped their distribution, showing that the Congo and Kasai rivers represent significant biogeographical barriers limiting the distribution of Funisciurus species. These results support research into the role of rope squirrel species in the transmission of pathogens of public health importance. Image for the online table of contents: African rope squirrel Photo credit: Bushnell photo trap set by Pascal Baelo