Cricetulus Migratorius Research Articles

Karyotype and molecular genetic differentiation of a 24-chromosomal form of the gray hamster <i>Nothocricetulus migratorius</i> from the Tien Shan

The widespread Palaearctic rodent species gray hamster Nothocricetulus migratorius has a karyotype with a stable number of chromosomes 2n = 22 throughout the entire range of its habitat. We found gray hamsters with diploid number of chromosomes 2n = 24 locally distributed in the Qurama Ridge of the Tyan Shan. A new karyotype and analysis of G- and NORs-bands of differentially stained chromosome sets were described for the first time. The described karyotype differs from the 22-chromosomal karyotype of gray hamsters by the Y-chromosome morphology and the presence of an additional pair of heteromorphic small chromosomes. Molecular genetic analysis revealed genetic divergence of 24- and 22-chromosomal forms of N. migratorius, and the differences between them in mitochondrial markers are comparable, and in nuclear markers exceed the differences between C. barabensis (2n = 20) and C. psevdogriseus (2n = 24). The data obtained give grounds to discuss the taxonomic status of the 24-chromosomal form of gray hamsters from the Qurama Ridge and consider the differentiation of N. migratorius karyomorphs as a stage of chromosomal speciation.

Assessment of the Current State of the Hissar High-Mountain Natural Plague Focus in the Republic of Tajikistan

The review is devoted to discussing the results of survey in the Hissar high-mountain natural plague focus on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan in 2015–2023. Regular examination of the focus was carried out in 1970–1991. According to its results, the main carrier of the plague pathogen was the juniper vole, in the population of which a strain of the non-main subspecies central asiatica (0.PE4) of Hissar biovar (0.PE4h) was steadily circulating, the strain considered avirulent for humans. During that period, 853 strains were isolated in the focus, of which 799 (93.7%) were from the juniper vole and its fleas. Secondary carriers – the silver vole, the pygmy wood mouse, and the gray hamster – were rarely involved in epizootics. The red marmot, which has epidemiological significance due to its hunting by the local population, occupies a special position in the focus. Socio-political phenomena at the end of the 20th – early 21st century caused a long break in the work of the Tajik Plague Control Station. In 2008, the Station was transformed into the Republican Center for Combating Quarantine Diseases under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan. In 2015, studies were resumed, but carried out on a small scale. In 2021–2023, epizootiological monitoring in the Hissar focus was performed jointly with Russian specialists with the testing of field material samples for plague and other natural-focal infections. Currently, against the background of low numbers and population density of small mammals and their blood-sucking ectoparasites – potential carriers and vectors of zoonoses – the circulation of agents of plague, tularemia, pseudotuberculosis, tick-borne viral encephalitis, Ixodidae tick-borne borreliosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis has not been registered. Markers (DNA) of causative agents of leptospirosis and intestinal yersiniosis have been identified. Joint Tajik-Russian cooperation on issues of ensuring the epidemiological well-being of the population of the Republic of Tajikistan must be continued.

Distribution of Trophic Resources in a Rodent Community in the High-Mountain Zone of the Republic of Dagestan

Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of nutrition of some cohabiting rodent species in the High-Mountain Zone of the Republic of Dagestan have been studied. The diet of S. uralensis consisted of 23, C. gud, of 22, M. arvalis, of 27, C. migtatorius, of 26, and D. nitedula, of 19 plant species. The most diverse diet was found in the common vole and gray hamster. In spring, sedges dominated in the diets of rodents, in the summer, rations consisted mainly of cereals, and autumn, predominantly from the species of the forbs and legume groups. In all, except for the forest dormouse, the conjugation of diets with the structure of herbaceous vegetation was revealed. The maximum values of the degree of similarity of the diets of rodents were found in pairs of wood mouse – Gudaur vole, Gudaur vole – gray hamster, and common vole – gray hamster. As a result, a sufficient level of food supply, a wide range of microstations, and intrapopulation adaptation mechanisms make it possible for the considered rodent species to live together in the study area.

Field survey and molecular characterization of apicomplexan parasites in small mammals from military camps in Afghanistan

Small mammals are an important reservoir for causative agents of numerous infectious diseases, including zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. The occurrence of these pathogens represents a regional but permanent threat for humans and animals in general and might especially weaken military personnel and companion animals in abroad missions. In our study, small mammals collected in military camps in Afghanistan (Feyzabad, Mazar-e Sharif, and Kunduz) were investigated for the presence of apicomplexans using histopathology and molecular methods. For this purpose, well-established and newly developed real-time PCR assays were applied. A high prevalence was detected not only in house mice (Mus musculus), but also in shrews (Crocidura cf. suaveolens) and grey dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus migratorius). The molecular characterization based on the 18S rRNA gene revealed a close relationship to a cluster of Hepatozoon sp. detected in voles of the genus Microtus. Hepatozoon canis DNA was detected in one house mouse as well as in two Rhipicephalus ticks from a dog puppy. In addition, around 5% of the house mice were found to be infected with far related adeleorinids showing the highest sequence identity of 91.5% to Klossiella equi, the only published Klossiella sequence at present. For their better phylogenetic characterization, we conducted metagenomics by sequencing of two selected samples. The resulting 18S rRNA gene sequences have a length of about 2400 base pairs including an insertion of about 500 base pairs and are 100% identical to each other. Histopathology together with organ tropism and detection rates verified this sequence as of Klossiella muris. In conclusion, we documented naturally occurring protozoan stages and the additional taxonomic characterization of a well-known commensal in mice by applying a combination of different approaches. The study is of medical, social, and biological importance for ensuring human and animal health in military camps and also stresses the required awareness for the potential risk of zoonoses.

Investigating intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis throughout Turkey: Focus on voles.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the most important zoonotic diseases. The parasite has a heterogeneous life cycle; more than 40 small mammal species have been determined to be potential intermediate hosts worldwide. Turkey is one of the highest endemic countries for AE, but only limited information is available concerning the transmission biology of E.multilocularis. The study aimed to provide data on potential intermediate host species (focus on genus Microtus) across Turkey involved in E.multilocularis transmission to foxes, which is a risk for public health. Trapping sites have been specially selected considering field voles' habitats and ecological requirements. In total, 843 rodents were collected from 141 locations. The metacestodes and lesions of AE were identified as macroscopy and microscopy and confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Seventeen (2.0%) small mammals from 13 (9.2%) locations were found infected with E.multilocularis. Infected individuals were identified as Microtus irani, Microtus mystacinus, Microtus hartingi, Microtus guentheri, Cricetulus migratorius and Mus macedonicus. M.hartingi and M.macedonicus are documented for the first time as intermediate hosts of E.multilocularis. In conclusion, 15 of 17 infected small mammals were found in the Microtus genus. Therefore, the genus Microtus, which inhabits fields near villages and is potential prey for foxes, could be considered an important intermediate host for E.multilocularis across Turkey.

Molecular Characterization of Mesocestoides litteratus (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea: Mesocestoididae) Tetrathyridium Isolated from Two Species of Rodents from Iran.

Mesocestoides spp. are Cyclophyllidean tapeworms with zoonotic importance. The current study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics of Mesocestoides larvae (tetrathyridium) isolated from the abdominal cavity of persion jird, Meriones persicus, and from the liver of grey hamster, Cricetulus migratorius, in Ardabil Province, northwest Iran. Genomic DNA of the isolates of Mesocestoides tetrathyridium were extracted, and mitochondrial gene of cytochrome-c oxidase subunit1 (cox1) was amplified. Sequencing of PCR products were performed and phylogenic analysis was run using MEGA 6.0 software. Both isolates were identified as Mesocestoides litteratus, showing high identity with M. litteratus sequences available in GenBank. Also, they had 100% homology to each other. Intra-species variation within isolates of M. litteratus were 0-2.4%. The phylogenetic reconstruction based on the partial sequence of the cox1 gene showed that our sequences of M. litteratus were clustered with M. litteratus isolates from Slovakia, Netherlands, Germany and Italy. This is the first molecular description of M. litteratus from M. persicus and C. migratorius. Phylogenetic analysis illustrated that M. litteratus isolates of the current study had very high identities with the isolates of this species from other countries.

Сравнение видового состава отрядов Lagomorpha и Rodentia Самур-Девечинской низменности и Закатала-Лагычского физико-географического района Азербайджана

This article presents the results of a comparative analysis of two physiographic regions of Azerbaijan. 19 species of lagomorphs and rodents are registered in the Samur-Davachi physiographic region. 7 Western Asian species predominate in this area (36.84%): Lepus europaeus, Hystrix indica, Allactaga euphratica, Cricetulus migratorius, Meriones libycus, Microtus sosialis, Sylvaemus witherbyi. 6 (31.58%) species (Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula, Microtus arvalis, Micromys minutus, Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus (Sylvaemus) uralensis) are of European origin, 3 (15.78%) species (Arvicola amphibius,Microtus majori, Mus musculus) are of widely distributed in Palearctic, 1 (5.26%) species (Allactaga elater) is of Turanian origin, 1 (5.26%) species (Rattus norvegicus) is listed as an alien species and 1(5.26%) species (Apodemus(Sylvaemus)ponticus) is Caucasus endemic. Major species are of Western Asian and European origin, and least ones of turanian origin. South Asian species are not found. An analysis carried out in the Zaqatala-Lahyj physiographic region showed that 4 (21.05%) species (Arvicola amphibius, Microtus majori, Mus musculus, Ratus rattus) are widespread in the Palearctic region, 5 (26.31%) species (Lepus europaeus, Hystrix indica, Cricetulus migratorius, Microtus socialis, Sylvaemus witherbyi) are widespread in the Western Asian region, 5 (26.31%) species (Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula, Mus macedonicus, Apodemus (Sylvaemus) uralensis, Microtus arvalis) are of European origin and 5 (26.31%) species (Sciurus anomalus,Microtus dagestanicus,Chionomys gud, Chionomysroberti, Apodemus (Sylvaemus) ponticus) are endemics. No desert species of Turanian origin were noted. In the Zaqatala-Lahyj physical-geographic region, species of European and Western Asian origin are also predominant. A total of 25 rodent species have been registered in these regions. Of the species distributed in the Samur-Davachi and Zaqatala-Lahyj physiographic regions, only 13 (52%) species are found in both physiographic regions. It should be noted that each physiographic region has its own specific species. 6 species (Sciurus anomalus, Microtus dagestanicus, Chionomys gud, Chionomys roberti, Mus macedonicus, Rattus rattus) are found in the Zaqatala-Lahyj physiographic region only, 6 species (Allactaga euphratica, Allactaga elater, Meriones libycus, Apodemus agrarius, Rattus norvegicus, Micromys minutus) are found in the Samur-Davachi physiographic region only.

Small mammals in natural and agricultural lands of Slobozhanshchyna (eastern Ukraine): results of a five-year-long survey

The study of the species composition, biological and ecological features of small mammals was carried out for five years (2018–2022) in the surroundings of the village of Rozsohuvata (Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine). During the study period, nine species of mouse-like rodents and three species of insectivorans were detected. The re-search area is represented by a ravine-beam system, agrocoenoses, field-protecting forest strips, riparian vege-tation around artificial reservoirs and streams, dry meadows, and pastures. Trappings of small mammals were carried out on thirty lines of traps. During the entire period of trapping, the dominant species was Sylvaemus uralensis and in some seasons Sylvaemus sylvaticus dominated. Starting from 2018, the relative abundance increased in autumn, reached a peak in 2020 and declined in the following years. In general, 2019 was the year of maximum abundance and most species were recorded in the summer of this year. The greatest number of species was found in the ecotone between riparian vegetation and field (10 species), as well as in the area of the multi-grass steppe in the beam (8 species). The eurytopic species include Sylvaemus uralensis and Syl-vaemus sylvaticus, whereas the stenotopic species is Mus spicilegus. According to the obtained abundance scores, only one species—Myodes glareolus—occurs randomly, whereas the rare species here are Mus spicile-gus, Sorex minutus, and Crocidura suaveolens. Six species are non-abundant: Apodemus agrarius, Sylvaemus tauricus, Mus musculus, Microtus levis, Cricetulus migratorius, and Sorex araneus. Only Sylvaemus sylvaticus belongs to common species, and only Sylvaemus uralensis is abundant. It should be mentioned that Cri-cetulus migratorius, which usually belongs to the category of random or rare species, turned out to be non-abundant in the study region, and it was recorded regularly in almost half of the studied biotopes. Myodes glareolus, which usually prefers oak forest, was extremely rare. The abundance of Apodemus agrarius, which usually belongs to common species in river valleys, was also low. Sylvaemus showed greater ecological valence, dominated in abundance and inhabited most biotopes, except for Sylvaemus tauricus, which began to occur only in the last two years and mainly in forest strips.

Distribution of Four Vole Species through the Barn Owl Tyto alba Diet Spectrum: Pattern Responses to Environmental Gradients in Intensive Agroecosystems of Central Greece.

Voles are the most common vertebrate pests in European agriculture. Identifying their distribution and abundance patterns provides valuable information for future management. Barn Owl diet analysis is one of the optimum methods used to record small mammal distribution patterns on large spatial scales. From 2003 to 2005, a total of 10,065 Barn Owl pellets were collected and analyzed from 31 breeding sites in the largest agroecosystem in Greece, the Thessaly plains. A total of 29,061 prey items were identified, offering deep insight into small mammal distribution, specifically voles. Four discrete vole species (Harting's vole Microtus hartingi, East European vole Microtus levis, Thomas's pine vole Microtus thomasi, and Grey dwarf hamster Cricetulus migratorius) comprised 40.5% (11,770 vole prey items) of the total Barn Owl prey intake. The presence and abundance of the voles varied according to underlying environmental gradients, with soil texture and type playing a major role. M. levis showed no significant attachments to gradients, other than a mild increase in Mollisol soils. It was syntopic in all sites with M. hartingi, which was the dominant and most abundant small mammal species, preferring non-arable cultivated land, natural grasslands, set-aside fields, and fallow land. M. thomasi was strictly present in western Thessaly and strongly associated with a sandy-clay soil texture and Alfisol soils. C. migratorius was the least represented vole (162 items), exclusively present in eastern Thessaly and demonstrating a stronger association with cereals, Mollisol soils, and an argillaceous-clay soil texture. This is the first study in Greece at such a large spatial scale, offering insights for pest rodents' distribution in intensive agroecosystems and their response to environmental gradients including soil parameters.

Mitochondrial DNA Diversity of Mesocricetus auratus and Other Cricetinae Species among Cricetidae Family.

Unique anatomical and physiological features have made hamster species desirable research models. Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis of the hamster family members to clarify their evolution and genetic relationship, can provide a genetic basis for the comprehension of the variable research results obtained using different hamster models. The Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most widely used species. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of M. auratus, compared it with the mitogenome of other Cricetinae subfamily species, and defined its phylogenetic position in the Cricetidae family. Our results show that the mitogenome organization, gene arrangement, base composition, and genetic analysis of the protein coding genes (PCGs) of M. auratus are similar to those observed in previous reports on Cricetinae species. Nonetheless, our analysis clarifies some striking differences of M. auratus relative to other subfamily members, namely distinct codon usage frequency of TAT (Tyr), AAT (Asn), and GAA (Glu) and the presence of the conserved sequence block 3 (CSB-3) in the control region of M. auratus mitogenome and other hamsters (not found in Arvicolinae). These results suggest the particularity of amino acid codon usage bias of M. auratus and special regulatory signals for the heavy strand replication in Cricetinae. Additionally, Bayesian inference/maximum likelihood (BI/ML) tree shows that Cricetinae and Arvicolinae are sister taxa sharing a common ancestor, and Neotominae split prior to the split between Cricetinae and Arvicolinae. Our results support taxonomy revisions in Cricetulus kamensis and Cricetulus migratorius, and further revision is needed within the other two subfamilies. Among the hamster research models, Cricetulus griseus is the species with highest sequence similarity and closer genetic relationship with M. auratus. Our results show mitochondrial DNA diversity of M. auratus and other Cricetinae species and provide genetic basis for judgement of different hamster models, promoting the development and usage of hamsters with regional characteristics.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10528-022-10195-7.

Small Mammals as Reservoir for Zoonotic Agents in Afghanistan.

Rodents and other small mammals can serve as reservoirs for a large number of zoonotic pathogens. A higher risk of infection with rodent-borne pathogens exists for humans with direct contact to rodents and/or their excretions, e.g., soldiers in operation areas. To date, little is known about endemic human pathogenic disease agents that are naturally associated with small mammals in Afghanistan. The aim of this study was to screen abundant rodents and insectivores collected from 2009 to 2012 in four field camps of the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in Northern Afghanistan for the presence of different pathogens. Isolated nucleic acids from ear pinna were screened by real-time PCR for spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae and from liver samples for Francisella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Yersinia pestis, and poxvirus. Chest cavity lavage (CCL) samples were tested for antibodies against SFG and typhus group (TG) rickettsiae, as well as against flaviviruses using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 7/750 (1%) ear pinna samples with one being identified as Rickettsia conorii. Antibodies against SFG rickettsiae were detected in 15.3% (n = 67/439) of the small mammals; positive samples were only from house mice (Mus musculus). Antibodies against TG rickettsiae were found in 8.2% (n = 36/439) of the samples, with 35 from house mice and one from gray dwarf hamster (Cricetulus migratorius). Flavivirus-reactive antibodies were detected in 2.3% (n = 10/439) of the investigated CCL samples; again positive samples were exclusively identified in house mice. All 199 investigated liver-derived DNA preparations were negative in the Francisella spp., C. burnetii, Brucella spp., Y. pestis, and poxvirus-specific PCRs. Further investigations will have to prove the potential value of rodents in army camps as sentinel animals.

贺兰山西坡啮齿动物生境选择及种间关系

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 贺兰山西坡啮齿动物生境选择及种间关系 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202109152593 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金资助项目（31870512，32071649，32070519）；中央高校基本科研业务费资助项目（2572014CA03） Habitat selection and interspecific relationship of rodent in the west slope of Helan Mountain Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: National Natural Science Foundation of China [31870512, 32071649, 32070519],Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [2572014CA03], 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:为明确对贺兰山西坡啮齿动物生境选择起关键作用的主要环境因子，探讨各鼠种之间的相互作用如何影响鼠种的生境选择，选取地理因子（海拔、坡度、坡向）、植被因子（植被盖度、植被高度、灌木/乔木高度）和其他因子（距水源距离、距道路距离、距灌木/乔木距离）等9种生境因子，利用资源选择函数模型和logistic回归模型对啮齿动物生境选择和种间关系进行分析。结果表明，在贺兰山西坡，捕获数量最多的6种啮齿动物对的生境选择存在差异，大林姬鼠（Apodemus peninsulae）偏好高海拔、多灌木（乔木）的生境；子午沙鼠（Meriones meridianus）偏好海拔较低的半荒漠稀疏生境，对道路和人为干扰不回避；灰仓鼠（Cricetulus migratorius）偏好距水源较远、多灌木（乔木）、距道路较近的生境；阿拉善黄鼠（Spermophilus alaschanicus）偏好低海拔、植被丰富的生境；短尾仓鼠（Cricetulus eversmanni）偏好高海拔、距道路较近的生境；社鼠（Niviventer niviventer）偏好海拔较高、坡度较大、距水源较远的生境。鼠种间的相互关系主要呈现回避或随机关系。研究结果有助于了解啮齿动物分布的变化及种群动态规律，可为贺兰山生物资源保护，区域性鼠害的预测、预报和综合治理提供基础资料和科学依据。 Abstract:To identify the main environmental factor that plays a key role in habitat selection of rodents in the western slope of Helan Mountains, and to explore how the interaction among rodent species affect habitat selection, we selected geographic factors (altitude, gradient, slope direction), vegetation factors (vegetation coverage, vegetation height, height of shrubs/arbors) and other factors (distance from the water, away from the road distance, distance from shrubs/arbors) to analyze the habitat selection and interspecific relationship of rodents by resource selection function model and logistic regression models. The results showed that there were significant differences in the habitat selection among six captured rodent species. Apodemus peninsulae preferred high-altitude habitats covered with dense shrubs/arbors. Meriones meridianus preferred sparsely vegetated semi-desert habitats at lower altitude, and did not avoid the road and human disturbance. Cricetulus migratorius preferred habitats which were far away from water, covered with dense shrubs/arbors and close to roads. Spermophilus alaschanicus preferred the low-altitude habitats where are rich in vegetation. Cricetulus eversmanni preferred the high altitude habitats close to roads. Niviventer niviventer preferred habitats with higher altitudes, higher slopes and far from water. The relationship between rodent species is mainly avoidance or random. Our study is contributing to understand the changes of rodent distribution and population dynamics. It can provide basic data and scientific basis for protecting biological resources, predicting and forecasting rodents damage, and comprehensive management of the regional damage that caused by rodent in Helan Mountains. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Эпидемиологическая и эпизоотологическая характеристика гельминтов грызунов (Mammalia: Rodentia) Ленкоранской природной области Азербайджана

9 species of rodents belonging to the families Muridae and Cricetidae have been caught in different habitats of Lankaran natural region (dry steppe semi-desert habitats, humid subtropical temperate climate habitats, humid subtropical medium climate habitats, warm broad-leaved forest habitats, mountain forest steppe habitats and mountain steppe habitats) and dissected according to the complete helminthological autopsy method developed by K. I. Skryabin. These rodents are: brown rat Rattus norvegicus, house mouse Mus musculus L., wood mouse Apodemus (sylvaemus) sylvaticus L., grey hamster Cricetulus migratorius, Persian jird Meriones persicus, Tristram’s jird M. blackleri, European water vole Arvicola terrestris L., common vole Microtus arvalis and social vole M. socialis. We found members of 47 helminth species in the dissected rodents, including 7 species of trematodes, 14 species of cestodes, 25 species of nematodes and 1 species of acanthocephalus. Of these, 26 species were biohelminths and 21 species were geohelminths. For these helminth species, we conducted epidemiological and epizootological potential assessment; 10 helminth species were found to be of epidemiological and epizootological significance, because they infect humans and domestic animals. Out of all the trematodes, Gastrodiscoides hominis has epidemiological significance for humans and epizootological significance for domestic pigs, while Echinostoma mijagawai has epizootological significance for domestic waterfowl (ducks and geese). Among the cestodes, adult Taenia hydatigena and Alveococcus multilocularis have epizootological significance for dogs and cats, while their larvae have epidemiological significance for humans and epizootological significance for even-toed ungulates; Hydatigera taeniaeformis has epidemiological significance for humans and epizootological significance for dogs and cats; Taenia pisiformis has epizootological significance for cats; Hymenolepis diminuta has epidemiological significance for humans. One of the nematodes, Hepaticola hepatica, has epidemiological significance for humans and epizootological significance for dogs and cats. Syphacia obvelata has epidemiological significance for humans; one type of acanthocephalus — Moniliformis moniliformis — has epidemiological significance for humans and epizootological significance for dogs and cats.

First reported case of a histiocytic sarcoma in an Armenian hamster (Cricetulus migratorius).

A 14-month-old male Armenian hamster (Cricetulus migratorius) presented with a spontaneous, subcutaneous, firm mass (4.0 × 2.0 × 1.5 cm) on the ventral neck extending towards the cheek pouch causing multifocal small oral ulcerations. This animal was immunized subcutaneously on the dorsal neck for the development of monoclonal antibodies seven months before presentation. The animal was euthanized and necropsy was performed. Histopathology of the mass showed a well demarcated, multilobulated, unencapsulated, highly cellular, neoplastic mass composed of spindle cells arranged in interlacing streams and bundles, with a moderate amount of fibrovascular stroma. The neoplastic cells exhibited indistinct cell borders and a moderate to large amount of eosinophilic, fibrillar cytoplasm, marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, binucleated and multinucleated cells, and high mitotic rate. Based on the histomorphologic features of the mass, and the presence of renal tubular hyaline globules and myeloid hyperplasia in the bone marrow, a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma was made. The presumptive diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, upon which the neoplastic cells showed strong immunoreactivity for the histiocytic cell markers Iba1 and CD11b. Histiocytic sarcomas have been reported in Syrian (Mesocricetus auratus) and Siberian dwarf (Phodopus sungorus) hamsters but, to our knowledge, the current report represents the first case of histiocytic sarcoma described in an Armenian hamster. It is plausible to consider the animal's experimental immunization history and the development of the histiocytic sarcoma to be related. An association between adjuvanted vaccines and soft-tissue sarcomas has been described in cats and referred to as feline injection-site sarcomas.

Microhabitat partitioning in a rodent community in the arid conditions of the South-western Caspian Lowland

This article analyses the factors underlying the spatial distribution of a rodent community in the arid conditions of the Caspian Lowland. Based on a habitat selection model, we hypothesized that sympatric species would occupy and utilize species-specific environmental habitats and resources in common spaces and that niche overlap between species would be low. Thirteen environmental parameters were chosen for study. Nine parameters significantly discriminated interspecies differences (Meriones meridianus occurred in dry microhabitats, Meriones tamariscinus occurred in wetter microhabitats, and Apodemus witherbyi and Cricetulus migratorius showed eurybiotic spatial patterns). Mus musculus was predominantly found in wet environmental conditions. Thus, A. witherbyi and C. migratorius were characterized by the greatest range of spatial niches in the community, and M. musculus was characterized by the narrowest range of spatial niches. Pairwise comparisons of rodent spatial niches revealed low overlap values.

Species composition of small mammals in key biotopes near Kolomak (Kharkiv Oblast)

The study of the species composition and biotope preferences of small mammals around Kolomak had been carried out for four years (2017–2020). During the study period, 9 species of mouse-like rodents and 3 species of insectivores were found. No Cricetulus migratorius, Terricola subterraneus or Microtus oeconomus were found from the theoretically expected species already known for this area. Around Kolomak, 11 biotopes were investigated, including maple-linden oak forest, agrocenoses, dry and flooded meadows, which are located along the banks of a pond and in a gully-ravine system. The first year of research was in a year of high abundance (2017), and then 9 species were immediately discovered, but species with small abundance, such as Crocidura suaveolens, Sorex minutus, and Micromys minutus, were found in years with a small relative abundance of small mammals. Myodes glareolus, Sylvaemus tauricus and Sylvaemus uralensis are dominant species in the captures. According to the trapping results, 2017 was the year of high relative abundance of small mammals, 2018 was the year of the lowest relative abundance, 2019 and 2020 were years with an average relative abundance. During the study period, 6 species were identified in forest biotopes (Apodemus agrarius, Sylvaemus tauricus, Sylvaemus uralensis, Myodes glareolus, Sorex araneus, and Dryomys nitedula). In ecotones with floodplain biotopes, 8 species were found (Apodemus agrarius, Sylvaemus sylvaticus, Sylvaemus uralensis, Mus musculus, Micromys minutus, Myodes glareolus, and Sorex araneus). Four species (Mus musculus, Sylvaemus sylvaticus, Sylvaemus uralensis, and Microtus levis) were discovered near human settlements. In general, biotopes with the greatest species diversity and number of caught individuals are ecotones of dry and floodplain meadows. In years of high abundance, both species diversity and the number of individuals caught in the oak forest and in ecotones near the pond increased. It should be noted that Myodes glareolus was caught in clear-cuts during the two years (2019-2020) only in the summer of 2020. Earlier, not a single specimen of this species was caught there, although there is a dense weed grass cover in this area and the shrub layer has also grown up in some places, and the clear-cut is surrounded by oak forest.

Список ссавців України 2020: доповнення та уточнення

General issues of "taxonomic monitoring" of the mammal fauna of Ukraine are considered, including current changes and clarifications on the species composition of fauna, taxonomic ranks of species and superspecies groups, and current scientific and vernacular (Ukrainian) names. Analytical references and comments on the ranks and names of 24 taxa or taxonomic groups are presented, including 6 on Glires non-Muroidae, 7 on Muroidae, 5 on Chiroptera, 2 on Carnivora, and 4 on Ungulata. Most of the changes concern taxa ranks (especially genus / subgenus or family / subfamily) and, to a lesser extent, scientific and Ukrainian names. All changes are analysed as an update to the checklist approved by the Ukrainian Theriological Society (UTS) and published in 2012 in the Proceedings of the NMNH. In particular, this publication recognises the species status and correct use of scientific species names of Spalax graecus, Spalax arenarius, Apodemus (Sylvaemus) tauricus, and Myotis aurascens, as well as the Ukrainian vernacular names “hipsuh” (for Hypsugo) and “saiga” (for Saiga), scientific generic names Myodes (Ukr. “norytsia”) and Alexandromys (Ukr. “shaparka”), the family rank of long-winged bats (Miniopteridae), and the scientific name Cricetulus migratorius for the grey hamster as valid. The following provisions are adopted based on recent publications and trends in the development of classifications: 1) a new understanding of the volume and species name of Spermophilus planicola (little souslik) and Pipistrellus lepidus (Kuhl's pipistrelle); confirmation of the family status of birch mice, but with a new scientific name Sminthidae; correctness of scientific names Neogale vison (American mink) and Ovis gmelini (mouflon); 2) clarification of the Ukrainian vernacular name “molossovi” for Molossidae; 3) the genus coypu (Myocastor) is considered within the family of spiny rats (Echimyidae), whereas genera of voles (Microtus), red-backed voles (Myodes) and water voles (Arvicola) within the family of hamsters (Cricetidae); 4) lowering the ranks of several taxa, in particular Arvicolidae to subfamily Arvicolinae (within the family Cricetidae), Allactagidae to subfamily Allactaginae (within the family Dipodidae), Terricola to subgenus within the genus Microtus (s. l.), Bison to subgenus within the genus Bos (hence the bison is Bos bonasus), 5) the genus Sylvaemus is preserved at the same rank as the genus Apodemus. Trends in further changes of checklists and the need to align them with basic checklists and to adapt "thematic" lists, such as "red lists" for national or regional levels, game fauna lists, species lists in annexes to various international agreements (e.g. SITES), Bern Convention, EUROBATs, etc.) are considered.

Finds of rare and non-abundant species of small mammals in the territory of Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine

Eight of the eleven expected rare and non-abundant species of small mammals were recorded in the studied territory: Crocidura suaveolens, Sorex minutus, Neomys fodiens, Dryomys nitedula, Cricetulus migratorius, Terricola subterraneus, Micromys minutus, and Mus spicilegus. Crocidura suaveolens was found in both dry meadows and floodplain biotopes, and it was also recorded nearby to field-protective plantations and human settlements. Sorex minutus was also more common in dry meadows and in floodplain biotopes. Neomys fodiens is a typical floodplain endemic. Dryomys nitedula was more common in oak forests and it is prone to synanthropy. Cricetulus migratorius was found in steppe areas and near fields of agricultural crops. Terricola subterraneus was recorded only in a dry maple-linden oak forest. Micromys minutus prefers floodplain biotopes. Mus spicilegus was found on agricultural crops and in steppe areas.

Мишоподібні гризуни та землерийки в Харківській області (Україна):видовий склад, поширення, стан популяцій

Since 1957, zoologists of the Kharkiv Sanitary and Epidemiological Station have been conducting annual monitoring of small mammals in Kharkiv Oblast. To assess the current state of populations of mouse-like rodents and shrews, we analysed a dataset for the period from 2000 to 2018. The small mammal fauna was studied at 117 sites in 27 districts (raions) of Kharkiv Oblast. Various types of oak forests, dry and floodplain meadows, riparian vegetation, steppe areas, forest stripes, gardens, fields, and haystacks were examined. Four species of insectivores and 16 species of mouse-like rodents were identified. The dominant and widespread species in the region are Sylvaemus uralensis, Apodemus agrarius, Sorex araneus, Microtus levis, Myodes glareolus, and Sylvaemus tauricus. Some species are less common and in some areas of the region have not yet been identified, including Sorex minutus, Sylvaemus sylvaticus, Crocidura suaveolens, Micromys minutus, Cricetulus migratorius, and Microtus oeconomus. The least common species with single records include Neomys fodiens, Mus spicilegus, Lagurus lagurus, Terricola subterraneus, Dryomys nitedula, and Arvicola amphibius. Indigenous species of the region include seven species, another seven species are those that increased their number and range, three species have recently appeared in the region due to dispersal from adjacent territories, while, on the contrary, the abundance and range of three species have declines. Microtus oeconomus is characterised by a current southward range expansion. Myodes glareolus, which was mentioned in the last century north of our region, is now widely distributed throughout the region and further south. Lagurus lagurus is an invasive species with periodic population outbreaks in the region and currently is rarely recorded.

Contributions to the fauna of chigger mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) of Iran.

Chigger mites of northern Iran were studied on the basis of field collections from rodent hosts. Thirty-five species were recorded. Two new species, Cheladonta afshari Stekolnikov and Shamsi sp. nov., collected on Apodemus sp. in Guilan and Mazandaran Provinces, and Neotrombicula tehranensis Stekolnikov and Shamsi sp. nov., collected on Cricetulus migratorius and Chionomys sp. in Tehran Province, are described. One new synonym is established: Neotrombicula vernalis (Willmann, 1942) (= Neotrombicula kermani Kudryashova, 1977 syn. nov.). Seventeen species were recorded in Iran for the first time; thus, the number of known Iranian chiggers constitutes 104. The record of Neotrombicula autumnalis (Shaw, 1790) in Iran is important from the veterinarian and medical points of view, as this species attacks humans and domestic animals.