Akodon (Akodon) cursor Winge 1887

Akodon (Akodon) cursor Winge 1887, E Museo Lundii, Vol. 1, 3: 25.

Type Locality: Brazil, Minas Gerais, Lagoa Santa, Rio das Velhas.

Vernacular Names: Cursorial Akodont.

Distribution: Atlantic Forest formations in SE Brazil (Bahia to Paraná) and perhaps NE Argentina (Misiones Prov., see Pardiñas et al., 2003 a); limits uncertain.

Conservation: IUCN – Lower Risk (lc).

Discussion: Subgenus Akodon, A. mollis species group (Hershkovitz, 1990 c) or A. cursor species group (Geise et al., 2001; Rieger et al., 1995). Earlier recognized as a subspecies of arviculoides (e.g., Cabrera, 1961; Gyldenstolpe, 1932), which Reig (1978, 1987) reallocated to Bolomys lasiurus (see Necromys). Species characterized by an unusually low diploid number (2n = 14-15) and exhibiting substantial chromosomal variation (Fagundes et al., 1998; Sbalqueiro and Nascimento, 1996); however, as noted by Geise et al. (2001), application of cursor to this karyomorph (2n = 14-15, FN = 18-20) requires critical study of type specimens since the A. montensis karyomorph (2n = 24, FN = 42) occurs in sympatry at the type locality. Phylogeographic structure poorly defined based on cytochrome b haplotypes (Geise et al., 2001). Chromosomal, allozymic, and genetic studies have referenced an unnamed form from Pernambuco and Paraíba that is closely related to A. cursor (Geise et al., 2001; Rieger et al., 1995). Formerly included montensis (see below).