Skinner, J.D. (John Dawson), 1932-2024-11-272024-11-2721/12/011981http://hdl.handle.net/2263/99473Thesis (DSc (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 1981.New and traditional systematic parameters were used to examine the taxonomic relationships of the South African Leporidae. Conclusions on taxonomic status were based on univariate and multivariate morphometric analyses, comparative karyology, interspecific variation in cross sections through the principal upper incisors, sperm morphology, electrophoretic analyses of serum proteins and red blood cell enzymes and qualitative pelage characteristics. Multivariate analyses of the genus Pronolagus clearly indicate the cranial distinctiveness of the species P. rupestris, P. crassicaudatus and P. randensis. This treatment was supported a posteriori by univariate discriminant function analyses, and also by the unique pelage characteristics of the three species. Principal upper incisor width and the morphology of these teeth in cross section can be used to distinguish P. rupestris from P. crassicaudatus and P. randensis. No interspecific variation of systematic value was evident from detailed chromosome comparisons, the electrophoretic examination of blood samples, or the silver staining patterns of the spermatozoa. The diploid number of the genus was established as 2n = 42. Univariate and multivariate morphometric analyses of the South African Lepus provided evidence of two phenetically distinct species, L. capensis and L. saxatilis. The delimitation of these taxa was largely dependent on overall size, L. saxatilis being, on average, larger than L. capensis. Analysis of geographic variation showed L. saxatilis to vary clinally, with a marked trend towards decreasing size along a SW - NE axis. Although the smaller northern forms of this genus in South Africa have been ref erred to as L. crawshayi, this was not substantiated by the present investigation. The recognition of only two South African species was similarly indicated by almost all other test criteria. L. capensis and L. saxatilis were clearly separable on incisor tooth morphology, quantitative and qualitative differences in sperm morphology, the presence or absence of erythrocytic carbonic anhydrase and pelage characteristics. The only criterion which failed to provide a means of distinction between these well deliniated taxa was comparative karyology, both species possessing very similar, if not identical G- and C-banded karyotypes. The diploid number for the South African species was 2n = 48. The bulk of evidence from this study supports the recognition of the monotypic Bunolagus as a valid genus. Although the results of multivariate analyses indicate that the taxon is cranially very similar to Lepus, the genus to which it has been assigned in the past, exceptionally strong evidence for separate generic status is indicated by its unique karyotype. The presence of 44 chromosomes, many of which are of characteristic morphology, provide unequivocal separation from all Lepus species. Marked differences in incisor width, the pattern of the tooth in cross section, sperm morphology, especially with regard to the shape of the acrosome, and pelage characteristics, are reliable criteria for delimitation of this taxon from the South African Lepus. Systematic characters of value in the identification of the various species are presented in the form of keys. The results of this investigation support the recognition of Pronolagus, Lepus and Bunolagus as valid genera for the South African Leporidae, while the retention of three Pronolagus species, P. rupestris, P. crassicaudatus and P. randensis, and two Lepus species, L. capensis and L. saxatilis, appears justified.en© 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.SystematicsSouth AfricanLeporidaeUCTDThesis