Chromosomal and Molecular Analysis of Microtus arvalis s. l. (Rodentia, Mammalia) Caught in the Deer Natural Park: Zoogeographic and Ecological Aspects

Abstract

Priority data are presented on the chromosomal (routine, C-banding) and molecular (cyt b, p53) marking of several (n = 19) individuals of common vole sibling species from three previously not studied localities in the Central Black Earth region, at the territory of the Deer Natural Park (Lipetsk Region, Krasninsky District). All individuals caught on the territory of the Deer Natural Park in the northwestern part of the Lipetsk Region were identified by both genetic markers as M. arvalis form “arvalis” (MAA). No representatives of other M. arvalis s. l. sibling species, including recombinants, were found in our samples. The geographical location of the M. arvalis form “arvalis” found by us was estimated with respect to the distribution boundaries and hybridization sites of the 46-chromosome forms of M. arvalis s. l. in the Central Black Earth region. It is shown that the studied individuals have been caught within the range of the Microtus form “arvalis” and are largely removed from the hybridization sites of the 46-chromosomal forms M. arvalis s. l., discovered earlier in the southern Lipetsk region and the southeastern Kursk Region. No M. rossiaemeridionalis in the examined sample from the Deer Natural Park were found. The correspondence between the samples studied and identified as the M. arvalis form “arvalis” from the Deer Natural Park and native meadow biotopes is shown. The data of determining the taxonomic status of M. arvalis s. l. individuals from the Deer Natural Park are consistent with our perceptions of the nature of the geographical distribution and biotopic correspondence of M. arvalis s. l. sibling species and the chromosomal forms on the territory of the Central Black Earth region.