J. L. Boone, Ph.D., Ecology

Taxonomic status of the Anastasia Island Cotton Mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus anastasae)

James L. Boone
Museum of Natural History, Institute of Ecology, and Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602

Joshua Laerm
Museum of Natural History, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602

Michael H. Smith
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602

ABSTRACT

Four subspecies of cotton mice (Peromyscus gossypinus) were examined to assess the taxonomic validity and affinities of the mice on Cumberland Island, Georgia and Anastasia Island, Florida, both of which are presently referred to P.g. anastasae. Genetic analysis of 44 loci in 379 mice from 14 populations (6 island, 8 mainland) and morphometric analysis of 27 characters on 683 mice from 20 populations was performed. Polymorphic loci and heterozygosity per population averaged 40% and 10%, respectively, and there was no reduction of genetic variability on islands. Insular mice tended to be smaller than mainland mice. Every population was genetically and/or morphologically different from all other populations for at least one character in pairwise comparisons. However, when all populations were examined simultaneously, the pairwise differences were not significant. While each population was statistically distinct, none was unusually distinct, and neither the Cumberland Island nor Anastasia Island populations of P. g. anastasae warrant recognition as separate subspecies.

Key words: Peromyscus gossypinus, taxonomy, genetics, allozyme, morphology

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 060703