Revisiting the taxonomy of the Rattini tribe: a phylogeny-based delimitation of species boundaries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rodents are recognized as hosts for at least 60 zoonotic diseases and may represent a serious threat for human health. In the context of global environmental changes and increasing mobility of humans and animals, contacts between pathogens and potential animal hosts and vectors are modified, amplifying the risk of disease emergence. An accurate identification of each rodent at a specific level is needed in order to understand their implications in the transmission of diseases. Among the Muridae, the Rattini tribe encompasses 167 species inhabiting South East Asia, a hotspot of both biodiversity and emerging and re-emerging diseases. The region faces growing economical development that affects habitats, biodiversity and health. Rat species have been demonstrated as signif

SUBMITTER: Pages M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2906473 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature