Maxomys moi (Robinson and Kloss 1922)

[Maxomys] moi (Robinson and Kloss 1922), Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 9, 9: 95.

Type Locality: S Vietnam, Lâm Dðng Province, Langbian Mtns (= Lam Vien Plateau), Arbre Broyé (= Tram Hanh), 5400 ft (1646 m).

Vernacular Names: Indochinese Mountain Maxomys.

Distribution: Recorded only from highlands of S Vietnam in Quàng Tri, Quàng Nam, and Lâm Dðng provinces (Dang et al., 1994; Van Peenen et al., 1969) and adjacent S Laos on Plateau Bolovens; 190-1500 m; does not occur in the Annamite Mtns along the Laos-Vietnam border north of Quàng Tri Province. Distribution based primarily upon study of specimens in AMNH, BMNH, FMNH, and USNM.

Conservation: IUCN – Lower Risk (lc).

Discussion: Originally described as a species by Robinson and Kloss (1922), later listed as a subspecies of either Maxomys surifer or Rattus coxingi (= Niviventer coninga), but finally reinstated as a distinct species (Musser et al., 1979; Van Peenen et al., 1969). Closest phylogenetic relative is M. surifer, an estimate based on cranial, dental, and chromosomal traits shared by both species (Bulatova et al., 1992; Duncan and Van Peenen, 1971; Musser et al., 1979).