Taxonomy and evolution of Mazama in Colombia: searching the link between Central and South American species

Abstract

Cytogenetic and molecular studies have contributed in great extent to the knowledge of the genus Mazama (Mammalia; Cervidae), once through these techniques the wide complexity of its evolutionary process has been demonstrated. Given the particular geographic and ecological diversity of Colombia, together with its strategic location as the doorway to South America and the fact that the cervids dispersed from North to South America, the number of species and subspecies present in this country may be greater than that already described in the literature. Today, there are three recognized species in Colombia, but the number of subspecies is still uncertain; and even less certain is the existence of new species, once the group was less studied in this country. Thus, cytogenetic and molecular analyses will add to our knowledge of the evolutionary process experienced by the genus since its arrival to South America in the late Pliocene. Specifically, the present project aims to review the taxonomy of Mazama sp. in Colombia, within the context of its greater evolutionary history. For this purpose, wild-born animals currently kept in captivity in Colombian zoos and rehabilitation centers will be used. The animals will be anesthetized to collect blood, skin and hair samples. In addition, morphologic analyses will be carried out through morphometric measurements and photographs. Morphologic, cytogenetic and molecular analyses will be compared, in an attempt to evaluate the described species and subspecies, and to define the genetic structural level and potential isolation of each taxon. (AU)