Typhlomys taxuansis (Rodentia, Platacanthomyidae): new species of the genus from northern Vietnam with notes on conservation status and distribution.

Background: The paper presents novel findings of little-known species of rodents, the blind tree mice Typhlomys in Son La Province, Vietnam, with the first morphological and genetic characterisation and taxonomical description of the new species, T. taxuansis. The study also summarises all the data available on this genus species distribution, museum collections and notes on its taxonomy, which are important to establish the proper conservation status of the species. An exhaustive map of the findings is provided, along with a refined taxonomic key for all six currently morphologically characterised species of the genus. It is shown that, based on the data available to date, the genus is still far from complete. Most species, apparently, do not need a special conservation measure; their status may be established as Least Concerns and Near Threatened (B1a+2a) and the current population trend is stable (IUCN). New information: The paper introduced innovative findings regarding lesser-known rodents, the blind tree mice Typhlomys in Son La Province, Vietnam, along with the primary morphological and genetic identification and taxonomic explanation of the novel species T. taxuansis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]