On the nomenclature of Bathyergidae and Fukomys n. gen. (Mammalia: Rodentia)

Recently, in an examination of the phylogenetic relationships among the mole-rats of the family Bathyergidae (Mammalia: Rodentia), Ingram et al. (2004) documented molecular evidence for the recognition of the Cryptomys mechowii species group at the generic level and resurrected the name Coetomys Gray, 1864 for this group. Subsequent literature review revealed that Coetomys is not available to this species group, being a junior synonym of Cryptomys Gray, 1864. Here, we describe and diagnose Fukomys genus novum. In addition, we discuss the taxonomic history of this group in an attempt to reduce the nomenclatural confusion that has plagued studies of the Bathyergidae for over a century.