Reassessing the diversity and distribution of African rope squirrels ( Funisciurus Trouessart, 1880) in the Congo Basin

Abstract

The taxonomy, distribution, and ecology of sub-Saharan squirrels are poorly documented. This study focuses on the diversity and distribution of rope squirrels (Funisciurus Trouessart, 1880) in the Congo Basin. We compiled the most comprehensive genetic (n = 397 sequences) and morphometric (n = 219 measured skulls) dataset to date, covering much of their geographical and taxonomic range. Analysis of mitochondrial markers recovered 10 MOTUs (Molecular Operational Taxonomic Unit), nuclear markers 2 MOTUs, and morphometrics 5 Operational Taxonomic Units. Integrating this evidence suggests at least six species-level lineages in our dataset: four allopatric taxa related to F. anerythrus; four genetically different taxa (of which two are sympatric species) that resemble F. cf. bayonii; one taxon corresponding to F. pyrropus akka de Winton, 1895; one morphologically distinct taxon that resembles F. cf. congicus; and one unidentified taxon. Their distributional ranges reveal that the Congo and Kasaï Rivers act as major biogeographical barriers, suggesting that they originated by allopatric speciation. Our findings provide a baseline for studying the effects of habitat loss on rope squirrel populations in the Congo Basin and inform research into their role as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens, including mpox virus.