The social vole Microtus socialis in the Near East

Kryštufek B., KEFELİOĞLU H.

Mammal Review, vol.31, no.3-4, pp.229-237, 2001 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 3-4
  • Publication Date: 2001
  • Doi Number: 10.1046/j.1365-2907.2001.00088.x
  • Journal Name: Mammal Review
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.229-237
  • Keywords: Distribution, Microtus socialis, Morphology, Near East
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The Social Vole Microtus socialis differs from non-socialis voles from Iran by its smaller size and relatively broader inter-orbital region. Discriminant Function Analysis based on 14 cranial measurements classified all Iranian specimens into their actual group (i.e. socialis or non-socialis). A dotted distribution map of M. socialis is provided for Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Iran. Isolated records from Khorassan and Fars, both in Iran, are discussed. Inter-locality variations were significant in dimensions of the tooth-row, diastema, rostrum, bullae and braincase breadth. The postero-internal loop of the second upper molar was either absent or rare; only in voles from Lebanon and Syria was the incidence of this morphotype observed in about one-third of the specimens. Marginal populations seemed to be morphologically most distant.