Abstract
We examine patterns of morphological and molecular genetic differentiation in the endemic Mentocrex kioloides complex of Madagascar. This forest-dwelling rail (often placed in Canirallus) is known from two subspecies: M. k. kioloides, which occurs inthe island's humid central and eastem forests; and M. k. berliozi, which occurs in the transitional dry deciduous-humid forests of the northwest. Two new specimens (an adult and a downy young) recently became available from limestone karst areas of the lowland cenbal west, the adult of which is notably different in size and plumage coloration, as well as showing considerable genetic divergence, from the two recognized subspecies of M. kioloides. The central west animals are herein named as a species newto science, Mentocrex beankaensis, sp. nov.
NSTL