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290 M. SARA, M. LO VALVO, L. ZANCA

Case (1978), on the other hand, stated that body manni on Crete (Vogel et al., 1986), and the morphom-

size trends on islands are the result of adaptational and etric differences resulting in the group of islands sur-

homeostatic processes. Physical, biotic, as well as eco- rounding Sicily appear to confirm that geographic var-

logical factors (linked to the maritime environment, iation has also affected colonization trends and, broadly

the small areas, the presence/absence of competitors speaking, the past history of the genus Crocidura in the

and predators, and the amount of available food) could Mediterranean area.

constrain the body size of the shrews. In conclusion, considering the patterns of geogra-

The presence of a small form of C. siculaon the phic variation, as reviewed by Thorpe (1987), the Cro-

Egadi arcipelago and Ustica is thus likely, although cidura genus is probably affected in this area by an

chromosomal and biochemical investigations are still independent divergence of island populations (see also

needed to confirm the taxonomic status of these differentiated disjunction in Endler, 1977).

shrews. A common karyotype and biochemical pattern

but different morphological characters and size could

allow, at least for the Gozo shrews, a subspecific form REFERENCES

of C. sicula to be described.

The large Crocidura living on Pantelleria are signifi- Alcover J. Α., 1982 - Note on the origin of the present mammalian
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