Abstract
The data on karyotypes of marginal forms of S. microphthalmus (act.) were analysed in light of the distribution of some chromosomal races. The most mysterious are the statuses of Spalax distributed in the south of Eastern Europe. These data were analysed based on the hypothesis that the range of S. microphthalmus (2n = 60) is limited to the Dnipro and Volga rivers in the latitudinal dimension and in the south to the Azov Upland. Accordingly, the mole rats from the Ciscaucasus in general and Stavropol Krai in particular should be attributed to S. giganteus. This hypothesis is supported by the karyotype data of ‘S. microphthalmus’ from the Stavropol region, with 2n = 62 (according to: Dzuev & Shogenov 2003). Such 62-chromosomal race can be considered as an intermediate form between the typical S. giganteus from the Caspian region and S. arenarius from the Lower Dnipro Sands.
Published Version
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