How can scientific researches change conservation priorities? A review of decade-long research on blind mole-rats (Rodentia: Spalacinae) in the Carpathian Basin

摘要: Introduction:  From time to time, it could be useful revise and re-assess the results of long-term programs in conservation research. This paper overviews an ongoing research program that started 10 years ago Central Europe focuses on blind mole-rats, a scarcely investigated consequently enigmatic group rodents. Results: Systematics Taxonomy.  By means molecular biological methods targeting sequences mitochondrial genes we conclude five species representatives genera  Spalax  and  Nannospalax , occur Carpathian Basin. Based our present knowledge they are only terrestrial vertebrate endemic region. Mapping distributions. As recently as one hundred mole-rats were widespread common all over In last decade, regions Hungary, Transylvanian Basin Vojvodina where previous genuine records known, checked systematically. Maps aerial photography provided information exact location habitat patches supposed suitable for even today. recent (from 2008 onwards) survey area was extended locations residents reported occurrence mole-rats. Threatening factors.  The main cause population decline is agricultural development which brought about significant changes cultivation land use. The following specific threatening factors defined: cultivation, tree plantations, natural reafforestation, invasive plants, overgrazing, site developement, genetic bottlenecks, extreme weather conditions, inadequate legal protection. Risk assessment. Red List categories for of Carpathian assessed according 2001 criteria. Accordingly, proposed ranked Vulnerable, two Endangered, Critically Data Deficient (probably extinct). Conclusions: Results from systematic studies, distribution mapping determination factors, have had profound effects practical conservation. These include action plans, wide international co-operations, establishment new protected area, updated species’ list, species-level risk assessment, first-ever relocation subterranean mammal. Key words: species, distribution, Spalacinae,