Grammomys dryas (Thomas 1907)

[Pogonomys] dryas Thomas 1907, Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., ser. 7, 19: 123.

Type Locality: " Kenya Colony" (Uganda), Ruwenzori East, 6000-7000 ft (1830-2130 m).

Vernacular Names: Albertine Rift Grammomys.

Distribution: A montane Western Rift endemic: Ruwenzoris and Kivu region in Uganda and Dem. Rep. Congo (AMNH and BMNH specimens), NW Burundi (specimens in FMNH).

Conservation: IUCN – Lower Risk (lc).

Discussion: Originally described as a species of Thamnomys by Thomas (1907 a) and listed that way by G. M. Allen (1939). Ellerman (1941), however, treated it as valid species of Grammomys, which, in the absence of a critical systematic revision of the genus, best expresses current knowledge. Thomas (1907 a) noted the diagnostic mammary count in G. dryas, which, in combination with cranial traits, set it apart from other described forms (our study of specimens). See Kerbis Peterhans et al. (1998) for review of altitudinal distribution of G. dryas in context of the entire Ruwenzori small mammal fauna.