SYSTEMATICS OF WHITE-TOOTHED SHREWS (CROCIDURA) (MAMMALIA, INSECTIVORA, SORICIDAE) OF TAIWAN - KARYOLOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL-STUDIES

We define the species boundaries of white-toothed shrews (genus Crocid ura) in Taiwan using karyological and morphological characteristics. N inety-nine animals were obtained from all over Taiwan at capture rates usually less than 10%. Three species are recognized by distinct cytot ypes: Crocidura attenuata tanakae 2n = 40, FN = 56; Crocidura suaveole ns hosletti 2n = 40, FN = 50; Crocidura kurodai 2n = 40, FN = 54. A su ite of six morphological characters diagnose the three species: shape of skull, position of incisive foramina, shape of fourth upper premola r, shape of pinna, tail vibrissae, and foot pads. A species key and no tes on the life history of each species are provided. Finally, we disc uss chromosomal evolution and biogeography of Crocidura in East and So uth East Asia.