IDENTIFICATION OF SOREX-MONTICOLUS AND SOREX-VAGRANS FROM BRITISH-COLUMBIA

Sorex monticolus and Sorex vagrans usually are identified by use of ti ne characters of the upper incisors. Because not all specimens are cle arly identifiable by tine characters, I used four cranial measurements thought to be useful characters by those familiar with the genus Sore x. Univariate and bivariate comparisons did not yield reliable methods of discrimination. Discriminant analysis permitted identification of many of the unidentified specimens. A comparison of qualitative tine c haracter states in members of the two species groups in British Columb ia, as identified by discriminant analysis, provided no universal diff erences in these characters. Using the position of the medial tine rel ative to pigment levels is still the best means of discriminating betw een these two species of Sorex. Final curation of the collection sugge sted the level of pigment and size of tine on the upper first incisor were the two characters that varied most consistently with identificat ions of the two species determined by discriminant analysis. Use of di scriminant analysis has proven helpful when attempting to identify oth er taxa of mammals when key characters are confusing or missing.