Synopsis of the genus paracrocidura mammalia soricidae with a description of a new species

Hutterer R.

Paracrocidura, a genus of African shrews, is revised using the available museum material as well as all published information. Contrary to current opinion three different species are recognized. Paracrocidura schoutedeni, the smallest species, is limited in its distribution to the western and southern parts of the central African rain forest block. Paracrocidura maxima stat. nov.[from P. s. maxima] is distinguished by its large size and a number of advanced character states. The species is confined to the mountain forests of the Albertine Rift. Paracrocidura graueri n. sp. the largest species of the genus and only known from one specimen taken in montane forest of the Itombwe Mountains. P. maxima and P. graueri n. sp. form a species group that is separated from P. schoutedeni by several advanced character states. The zoogeography of the species is discussed in relation to the recent distribution patterns and morphology. Information on habitats and modes of life is also reviewed.