The phylogeographical architecture of Spermophilus citellus is expected to shed light on the putative long-term presence of the steppic ecosystem in SE Europe. Among 31 cytochrome b haplotypes, three highly divergent phylogenetic lineages were recognized. The estimated time for the deepest divergence is 0.58 Mya, suggests the long-term persistence of a short-grass steppic refugium in the southern Balkans. The three phylogeographical lineages of the European ground squirrel should be regarded as independent units for conservation management purposes.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1584595
Using molecular markers (complete cytochrome b gene sequence) we reconstructed phylogenetic history of social voles in the Balkans and SW Asia. We recognized 6 monophyletic lineages which we interprete as distinct species. These species cluster into two evolutionary lineages (the socialis and the guentheri linegae). Within its present scope, M. guentheri je paraphyletic with respect to M. hartingi. Microtus hartingi most probably evolved in W Anatolia and colonized Europe relatively late.
COBISS.SI-ID: 1653459