West-Central African Pleistocene lowland forest evolution revealed by the phylogeography of Misonne’s soft-furred mouse

Research on Misonne’s soft-furred mouse (Praomys misonnei) reveals significant insights into the Pleistocene evolution of lowland forests in west-Central Africa. The study identified two distinct clades, with one clade limited to Korup National Park and another exhibiting a broad distribution across the region. Further analysis divided this second clade into three sub-clades, each showing signs of population expansion. Genetic diversity was notably high in the Bakossi highlands, suggesting these areas served as forest refugia during drier periods. The study also highlights the role of the Cameroon Volcanic Line and major rivers (Sanaga and Ogooué-Ivindo) in shaping the genetic structure of P. misonnei populations, indicating their historical significance as barriers to gene flow.

Nicolas, V., Missoup, A.-D., Colyn, M., Cruaud, C., & Denys, C. (2012). West-Central African Pleistocene lowland forest evolution revealed by the phylogeography of Misonne’s soft-furred mouse. African Zoology, 47(1), 100–112. https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2012.11407528