New karyotypes and some considerations about the chromosomal diversification of Ctenomys minutus (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) on the coastal plain of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The dominant mammals occupying the subterranean niche in South America are rodents of the genus Ctenomys, which form a large group of 56 species with chromosome numbers ranging from 2n = 10 to 70. In southern Brazil, Ctenomys minutus is the species with the widest geographic distribution, inhabiting sandy fields and dunes extending from Jaguaruna beach in the state of Santa Catarina to the town of São José do Norte in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Eleven karyotypes (2n = 42; 2n = 46a; 2n = 46b; 2n = 47a; 2n = 47b; 2n = 48a; 2n = 48b; 2n = 49a; 2n = 49b; 2n = 50a and 2n = 50b) were described for this species and zones of hybridization are also known. A sample of 51 C. minutus specimens was collected from five sampling sites about 20km apart along the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul between the municipalities of Tavares (31 degrees 23'S 51 degrees 09'W) and São José do Norte (31 degrees 52'S 51 degrees 54'W). We were able to extend the known geographic distribution of C. minutus by 90 km, from Tavares southwards to São José do Norte. During our study we found five karyotypes (2n = 46b, 47b, 48b, 49b and 50b), four of which (2n = 47b, 48b, 49b and 50b) have not previously been described for this species.