A karyological study on subterrranean mole rats of theSpalax leucodon Nordmann, 1840 (Mammalia: Rodentia)superspecies in northwestern Turkey

摘要

The karyotypes of 35 specimens of the subterranean mole rat of the superspecies Spalax leucodon Nordman; 1840; from 11 localities in the Bilecik area in north-western Turkey were analysed. Two different karyotypes were identified and both show a distinct geographic distribution: The karyotype 2n=52 and NF=70 is confined to the eastern side of the Sakarya River; whereas 2n=60 and NF=78 is found only on the western side of the river. The Sakarya River thus serves as a barrier and separates both forms in this area.