Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine and compare some morphometric characteristics of Microtus species occurring in the central Anatolia region of Turkey. This study is based on 209 specimens belonging to four species of the genus Microtus collected in this region of Turkey between 2003 and 2010. Some features concerning pelage coloration, cranial characters, tooth morphotype and baculum morphology of the species were recorded to determine their taxonomic characteristics. It was determined that four species of the genus Microtus occur in the study area, including Microtus dogramacii, Microtus guentheri, Microtus hartingi and Microtus mystacinus. Microtus hartingi has been found to be widespread throughout central Anatolia. Microtus guentheri is located in the type locality and nearby provinces. M. guentheri and M. hartingi were not found to be sympatric. M. hartingi has the longest hind-foot and M. mystacinus has the longest tail. The UPGMA trees were constructed for each sex, using skull and external measurements of specimens belonging to the genus Microtus. As a result of, M. dogramacii and M. mystacinus being the most similar, M. guentheri is the sister species to these and M. hartingi is the most distinctively different.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
