Northern voalavo

Discovering the Northern Voalavo: A Rodent with a Unique Tale

Imagine stumbling upon a new species that has been hiding in plain sight for centuries, only to be discovered and described in the 1990s. That’s exactly what happened with the northern voalavo (Voalavo gymnocaudus), a rodent found in Madagascar’s Northern Highlands. Discovered in 1994 and formally described in 1998 by Michael Carleton and Steven Goodman, this small creature has since become a fascinating subject of study for biologists and conservationists alike.

Unveiling the Mystery: The Rodent Fauna of Madagascar

Before the 1990s, the rodent fauna of Madagascar was largely unstudied. It wasn’t until two new species were discovered—Grandidier’s tufted-tailed rat and the northern voalavo—that scientists began to unravel the secrets hidden within this island’s diverse ecosystems. These discoveries not only added to our knowledge but also highlighted the importance of continued exploration in such unique environments.

Genetic Connections: A Closer Look at the Northern Voalavo

The northern voalavo is a small rodent, weighing between 17-25.5 grams, with a delicate skull and long narrow rostrum. Its genetic relationship to its close relative, the eastern voalavo, has been a subject of study. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies suggest that they are more closely related to each other than to other species in the genus Eliurus. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these fascinating creatures.

Physical Characteristics: A Closer Look at the Northern Voalavo

The northern voalavo is a small rodent, weighing between 17-25.5 grams, with a delicate skull and long narrow rostrum. Its genetic relationship to its close relative, the eastern voalavo, has been a subject of study. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies suggest that they are more closely related to each other than to other species in the genus Eliurus. This discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of these fascinating creatures.

Its fur is soft and short, appearing dark grey on upperparts, brownish on sides, with a three-colored band on back. The underparts have gray hairs with white tips except for chin area. The mystacial vibrissae reach ear tips when pressed against head. Short ears are naked inside, covered with brown hairs outside. Females have three pairs of mammae. Digits and metapodials are mostly covered by white hairs, with short ungual tufts surrounding claws. There are five pads on forefeet and six on hindfeet, with no clear difference in coloration between upper and lower sides.

Skull and Tail: Unique Features of the Northern Voalavo

The skull is delicate and lightly built. The rostrum is narrow and long, the zygomatic plate extends back to about M1, and the zygomatic notch is small. The braincase lacks ridges and accessory shelves. Incisive foramina are medium length, not rounded as in eastern voalavo, with a shorter diastema. The bony palate is broad, lacking notable features except for foramina near the molars’ meeting point.

The tail is longer than the head and body, appearing naked most of its length, but fine hairs visible near tip. Skin is grey, covered lightly by dark brown hairs over most of the tail’s length, with white hair near tip. The root of the lower incisor is visible at the back of the mandible as a slight protrusion; a true capsular process is absent. There are 13 thoracic, 7 lumbar, 4 sacral, and 38 or 39 caudal vertebrae. The humerus lacks an entepicondylar foramen.

Behavior and Habitat: A Nocturnal Solitary Life

The northern voalavo is a nocturnal and solitary rodent, living mainly on the ground but able to climb. It has been found only in two massifs of the Northern Highlands, Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy. These areas are characterized by dense networks of roots, which provide ideal habitats for this species.

It eats fruits and seeds and bears up to three young per litter. A variety of parasitic arthropods have been recorded on northern voalavo. The species is classified as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List due to its small range and protected areas.

The Northern Voalavo: A Species Worth Protecting

With a small range within protected areas, the northern voalavo faces minimal threats. However, continued research and conservation efforts are crucial to ensure that this unique species remains part of Madagascar’s rich biodiversity.

By understanding and protecting the northern voalavo, we not only preserve a piece of Madagascar’s natural heritage but also contribute to global biodiversity. After all, every species has its unique story to tell, and it’s up to us to ensure these stories are heard.