Phylogeographic structure of the Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus L.): Late Pleistocene connections between Caucasus and Western European populations

摘要: The Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) is one of the most endangered mammals in Western and Central Europe. Its genetic diversity Russia Kazakhstan was investigated for first time. analysis sequences an mtDNA control region cytochrome b gene revealed at least three phylogenetic lineages. Most species range (approximately 3 million km2), including central Russia, Crimea, Ural region, northern Kazakhstan), inhabited by a single, well-supported phylogroup, E0. Phylogroup E1, previously reported from southeastern Poland western Ukraine, described (Bryansk Province). E0 E1 are sister lineages but both monophyletic separated considerable distance. Hamsters inhabiting Ciscaucasia represent separate, distant lineage, named "Caucasus". It to North phylogroup Europe contemporary phylogeography this discussed considering new data. These data enabled us develop hypothesis propose that Late Pleistocene, continuous Mediterranean extended southern parts modern France Caucasus; however, its distribution subsequently interrupted, likely because climate change.