Skull Variation in Asian Moles of the Genus Euroscaptor (Eulipotyphla: Talpidae) in Vietnam

Abstract

The patterns of morphometric variation in skulls among different species and among intraspecies geographic populations, of five taxa (four species and one subspecies) of the mole genus Euroscaptor from Vietnam were investigated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted based on 16 measurements of 140 specimens. Four groups based on skull size and shape were identified: 1. E. kuznetsovi + E. orlovi, 2. E. subanura, 3. E. parvidens ngoclinhensis, and 4. E. p. parvidens. Euroscaptor p. parvidens and E. p. ngoclinhensis clearly differed in overall size, proportions, and allometry trends. Therefore, E. p. parvidens and E. p. ngoclinhensis likely represent distinct species. Our analysis also revealed remarkable interspecies and geographic variations in 18 Vietnamese populations of studied taxa. Based on morphological divergence patterns, previous molecular evidence, and data on geographic distribution, we discuss the importance of geographical isolation caused by rivers, mountains, and altitudinal distribution.