Biome specificity of distinct genetic lineages within the four-striped mouse Rhabdomys pumilio (Rodentia: Muridae) from southern Africa with implications for taxonomy

► Vegetation change as evolutionary driver is investigated using Rhabdomys as model. ► Four genetic assemblages are specific to particular biomes within southern Africa. ► Divergences probably resulted from climatic change around the Mio/Pliocene boundary. ► Ecological niche modeling indicate that assemblages occupy distinct niches. ► Recognition of three distinct species within the former R. pumilio is recommended.