Sobre la musaraña enana, Sorex minutus Linnaeus, 1766 (Insectivora, Soricinae) en el nordeste de la Península Ibérica

Abstract

Results of the systematic study of a sample of Sorex minutus from the north west of the Iberian peninsula, comparing it with others from the rest of the peninsula and Bavaria (Germany), are given. Sorex minutus from the Iberian peninsula presents a high morphometric variability (Ve, VIa). The North-western population has significantly higher metric values (VIa) than the Bavarian one and also differs in colour. In compliance with these results, the north westem and northem populations could be taxonomically separated from S. m. becki although it has been considered convenient not to do it. Bibliographic data from France seem to shown a clinal variation in direction to the peninsula, wich is shown with a progresive increase of the size (VIa). An explanation of the present distribution area in the North-West, based on historical considerations is given.