GENETIC DIVERSITY OF THE EAST EUROPEAN VOLE (MICROTUS ROSSIAEMERIDIONALIS) IN BELARUS

Abstract

Data on the genetic variability of the mtCytb gene of the East European vole (Microtus rossiaemeridionalis) from Belarus are presented. In total, the haplotypes of 27 individuals of the East European vole from 8 countries were analyzed during the work. To verify the species belonging of the cryptic species Microtus arvalis s.l., a karyological analysis was also performed. The species composition of the cryptic group was determined by both genetic markers: Microtus arvalis "arvalis" (2n = 46, NF = 84) and Microtus rossiaemeridionalis (2n = 54, NF = 56). The East Eastern European vole inhabiting the territory of Belarus was confirmed to belong to the wave of colonization from South Asia along the northern corridor and possible re-settlement in this territory from the Ural refugium after the last glaciation (12 900–11 700 thousand years ago). The ways of further expansion of the species into the northern and southern parts of Europe were established.