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Bugarski-Stanojević V, Đokić M, Stamenković G, Barišić Klisarić N, Stojković O, Jojić V, Savić I. A Cryptic Subterranean Mammal Species, the Lesser Blind Mole Rat ( Nannospalax leucodon syrmiensis)-Retreated but Not Extinct. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:774. [PMID: 38473158 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Blind mole rats (genus Nannospalax) attract a great deal of attention because of their cancer resistance and longevity. Due to the high rate of chromosome rearrangements, 74 Nannospalax chromosomal forms have been discovered. The convergence of their external morphology complicates their taxonomy, and many cryptic species remain unrecognized. Thus, the European N. leucodon supersp. is listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with "Data Deficient" status. It is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity to clarify its taxonomy, to recognize each cryptic species, and assign to them the correct conservation status. Of the more than 20 chromosomal forms described within N. leucodon, five cryptic species occur in Serbia. The most threatened among them-N. l. syrmiensis, described and named 50 years ago in the regions of Srem, Belgrade and Mačva-has been declared extinct in the literature, which may have negative consequences for the conservation of wildlife genetic diversity. Through five years of fieldwork and comparison of 16SrRNA and MT-CYTB gene segments between old, archived teeth and recently collected material, we show that N. l. syrmiensis is not extinct. However, its habitat has been fragmented and reduced, owing primarily to anthropogenic impact. Therefore, detailed surveillance, population-structure studies, risk assessment, and appropriate conservation measures are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Bugarski-Stanojević
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko Đokić
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorana Stamenković
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nataša Barišić Klisarić
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Oliver Stojković
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vida Jojić
- Department of Genetic Research, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivo Savić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
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Németh A, Mizsei E, Laczkó L, Czabán D, Hegyeli Z, Lengyel S, Csorba G, Sramkó G. Evolutionary history and systematics of European blind mole rats (Rodentia: Spalacidae: Nannospalax): Multilocus phylogeny and species delimitation in a puzzling group. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2024; 190:107958. [PMID: 37914032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2023.107958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Species delimitation is a powerful approach to assist taxonomic decisions in challenging taxa where species boundaries are hard to establish. European taxa of the blind mole rats (genus Nannospalax) display small morphological differences and complex chromosomal evolution at a shallow evolutionary divergence level. Previous analyses led to the recognition of 25 'forms' in their distribution area. We provide a comprehensive framework to improve knowledge on the evolutionary history and revise the taxonomy of European blind mole rats based on samples from all but three of the 25 forms. We sequenced two nuclear-encoded genetic regions and the whole mitochondrial cytochrome b gene for phylogenetic tree reconstructions using concatenation and coalescence-based species-tree estimations. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed that Aegean N. insularis belongs to N. superspecies xanthodon, and that it represents the second known species of this superspecies in Europe. Mainland taxa reached Europe from Asia Minor in two colonisation events corresponding to two superspecies-level taxa: N. superspecies monticola (taxon established herewith) reached Europe c. 2.1 million years ago (Mya) and was followed by N. superspecies leucodon (re-defined herewith) c. 1.5 Mya. Species delimitation allowed the clarification of the taxonomic contents of the above superspecies. N. superspecies monticola contains three species geographically confined to the western periphery of the distribution of blind mole rats, whereas N. superspecies leucodon is more speciose with six species and several additional subspecies. The observed geographic pattern hints at a robust peripatric speciation process and rapid chromosomal evolution. The present treatment is thus regarded as the minimum taxonomic content of each lineage, which can be further refined based on other sources of information such as karyological traits, crossbreeding experiments, etc. The species delimitation models also allowed the recognition of a hitherto unnamed blind mole rat taxon from Albania, described here as a new subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Németh
- Department of Nature Conservation, Zoology and Game Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi u. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; BirdLife Hungary - Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Költő u. 21, H-1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edvárd Mizsei
- Department of Ecology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; DRI Conservation Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Levente Laczkó
- Evolutionary Genomics Research Group, Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; HUN-REN-UD Conservation Biology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Zsolt Hegyeli
- Milvus Group Bird and Nature Protection Association, Crinului St. 22, 540343 Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Szabolcs Lengyel
- DRI Conservation Ecology Research Group, Centre for Ecological Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bem tér 18/C, H-4026 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Csorba
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross u. 13, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Sramkó
- Evolutionary Genomics Research Group, Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; HUN-REN-UD Conservation Biology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Csorba G, Moldován O, Schneider V, Németh A. Conservation status of the blind mole rat populations in Hungary (Rodentia: Spalacinae: Nannospalax) revisited. Biol Futur 2023; 74:475-487. [PMID: 38363538 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-024-00204-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Regular reviews of long-term research and conservation programs are useful sources of information for future directions in science and for the assessment of current conservation status of taxa. In this paper, we compiled all available data from the last 10 years related to Hungarian blind mole rat populations and assessed this information according to the following main themes: systematics, distribution and threats, and conservation actions. Based on the most recent information, national and global risk assessments are provided for the three species of Nannospalax (N. montanosyrmiensis, N. hungaricus and N. syrmiensis), currently accepted as part of the Hungarian fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Csorba
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross 13, Budapest, 1088, Hungary.
| | - Orsolya Moldován
- Hortobágy National Park Directorate, Sumen u. 2, Debrecen, 4024, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Animal Science, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - Viktor Schneider
- Institute of Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly u. 1, Gödöllő, 2100, Hungary
| | - Attila Németh
- Department of Nature Conservation, Zoology and Game Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi út 138, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
- BirdLife Hungary - Hungarian Ornithological and Nature Conservation Society, Költő u. 21, Budapest, 1121, Hungary
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Šumbera R, Lövy M, Nevo E, Okrouhlík J. Thermal biology in the Upper Galili Mountain blind mole rat (Nannospalax galili) and an overview of spalacine energetics. J Therm Biol 2023; 115:103618. [PMID: 37399744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Several hundred mammalian species thrive in complex burrow systems, which protect them from climatic extremes and predation. At the same time, it is also a stressful environment due to low food supply, high humidity, and, in some cases, a hypoxic and hypercapnic atmosphere. To face such conditions, subterranean rodents have convergently evolved low basal metabolic rate, high minimal thermal conductance and low body temperature. Although these parameters have been intensively studied in the last decades, such information is far from being well-known in one of the most studied groups of subterranean rodents, the blind mole rats of the genus Nannospalax. The lack of information is particularly noticeable for parameters such as the upper critical temperature and the width of the thermoneutral zone. In our study, we analysed the energetics of the Upper Galilee Mountain blind mole rat Nannospalax galili and found its basal metabolic rate of 0.84 ± 0.10 mL O2×g-1 × h-1, thermoneutral zone between 28 and 35 °C, mean Tb within the zone of 36.3 ± 0.6 °C, and minimal thermal conductance equal to 0.082 mL O2×g-1 × h-1 × C-1. Nannospalax galili is a truly homeothermic rodent well adapted to face lower ambient temperatures, because its Tb was stable down to the lowest temperature measured (10 °C). At the same time, a relatively high basal metabolic rate and relatively low minimal thermal conductance for a subterranean rodent of such body mass, and the difficulty of surviving ambient temperatures slightly above upper critical temperature, indicates problems with sufficient heat dissipation at higher temperatures. This can easily lead to overheating, that is relevant mainly during the hot-dry season. These findings suggest that N. galili can be threatened by ongoing global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radim Šumbera
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Matěj Lövy
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Eviatar Nevo
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jan Okrouhlík
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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Cryptic Diversity of the European Blind Mole Rat Nannospalax leucodon Species Complex: Implications for Conservation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091097. [PMID: 35565523 PMCID: PMC9105853 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We explored the cryptic speciation of the Nannospalax leucodon species complex, characterised by intense karyotype evolution and reduced phenotypic variability that has produced different lineages, out of which 25 are described as chromosomal forms (CFs), so many cryptic species remain unnoticed. Although some of them should be classified as threatened, they lack the official nomenclature necessary to be involved in conservation strategies. Reproductive isolation between seven CFs has previously been demonstrated. To investigate the amount and dynamics of genetic discrepancy that follows chromosomal changes, infer speciation levels, and obtain phylogenetic patterns, we analysed mitochondrial 16S rRNA and MT-CYTB nucleotide polymorphism among 17 CFs—the highest number studied so far. Phylogenetic trees delineated 11 CFs as separate clades. Evolutionary divergence values overlapped with acknowledged higher taxonomic categories, or sometimes exceeded them. The fact that CFs with higher 2n are evolutionary older corresponds to the fusion hypothesis of Nannospalax karyotype evolution. To participate in conservation strategies, N. leucodon classification should follow the biological species concept, and proposed cryptic species should be formally named, despite a lack of classical morphometric discrepancy. We draw attention towards the syrmiensis and montanosyrmiensis CFs, estimated to be endangered/critically endangered, and emphasise the need for detailed monitoring and population survey for other cryptic species.
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Geomorphometric differences in shape and size of the cranium and mandible among three cytotypes of Nannospalax nehringi (Satunin, 1898) (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from East Anatolia. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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de Souza Araújo Adão B, Travenzoli NM, Côrtes FM, Svartman M, Dergam JA, Lessa G. Intrapopulation karyotypic and cranial characterization of Blarinomys breviceps (Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) from Minas Gerais, Brazil. ZOOL ANZ 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Németh A, Csorba G, Laczkó L, Mizsei E, Bereczki J, Pásztor JA, Petró P, Sramkó G. Multi-Locus Genetic Identification of a Newly Discovered Population Reveals a Deep Genetic Divergence in European Blind Mole Rats (Rodentia: Spalacidae: Nannospalax). ANN ZOOL FENN 2020. [DOI: 10.5735/086.057.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Németh
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross 13, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Csorba
- Hungarian Natural History Museum, Baross 13, H-1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Levente Laczkó
- Department of Botany, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Edvárd Mizsei
- Department of Ecology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Judit Bereczki
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - János Attila Pásztor
- Nature Conservation Group of ‘The friends of Albertirsa’ Association, Irsay Karoly 2, H-2730 Albertirsa, Hungary
| | - Péter Petró
- Nature Conservation Group of ‘The friends of Albertirsa’ Association, Irsay Karoly 2, H-2730 Albertirsa, Hungary
| | - Gábor Sramkó
- MTA-DE ‘Lendület’ Evolutionary Phylogenomics Research Group, Egyetem ter 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
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Bugarski-Stanojević V, Stamenković G, Ćirović D, Ćirić D, Stojković O, Veličković J, Kataranovski D, Savić I. 16S rRNA gene polymorphism supports cryptic speciation within the lesser blind mole rat Nannospalax leucodon superspecies (Rodentia: Spalacidae). Mamm Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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10
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Hybridization between subterranean tuco-tucos (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) with contrasting phylogenetic positions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1502. [PMID: 32001746 PMCID: PMC6992752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58433-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive compatibility usually decreases according to increasing genetic difference and the time of divergence between species. However, the amount of modification required to influence hybridization may vary in different species. Thus, it is extremely important to conduct studies that seek to understand what and how variables influence the reproductive isolation of species. We have explored a system involving two species of subterranean rodents that present morphological, karyotypic, and evolutionary history differences and are capable of generating hybrids. To gain insight into the karyotype organization of genus Ctenomys, we examined the chromosome evolution by classical and molecular cytogenetics of both parental species and hybrids. Furthermore, we have used different approaches to analyze the differences between the parental species and the hybrids, and determined the origin of the hybrids. The results of our work demonstrate unequivocally that some species that present extensive differences in chromosome organization, phenotype, evolutionary history, sperm morphology and genetic, which are usually associated with reproductive isolation, can generate natural hybrids. The results also demonstrate that females of both species are able to generate hybrids with males of the other species. In addition, the chromosome-specific probes prepared from Ctenomys flamarioni provide an invaluable tool for comparative cytogenetics in closely related species.
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11
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Yağcı T, Gurbanov RR. The impact of the different habitats on skull variation in the fossorial subterranean rodents (Rodentia: Spalacidae) from Middle Anatolia. Ecol Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Yağcı
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Arts Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Bilecik Turkey
- Biotechnology Application and Research Center Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Bilecik Turkey
| | - Rafig R. Gurbanov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Arts Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Bilecik Turkey
- Biotechnology Application and Research Center Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Bilecik Turkey
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12
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Yağcı T. Species Identification of Small Mammal Fauna in Bilecik Province and Molecular Researches for the Protection of Gene Resources. ULUSLARARASI TARIM VE YABAN HAYATI BILIMLERI DERGISI 2019. [DOI: 10.24180/ijaws.478168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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13
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Matur F, Yanchukov A, Çolak F, Sözen M. Two major clades of blind mole rats (Nannospalax sp.) revealed by mtDNA and microsatellite genotyping in Western and Central Turkey. Mamm Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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14
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Miu IV, Chisamera GB, Popescu VD, Iosif R, Nita A, Manolache S, Gavril VD, Cobzaru I, Rozylowicz L. Conservation priorities for terrestrial mammals in Dobrogea Region, Romania. Zookeys 2018:133-158. [PMID: 30402034 PMCID: PMC6215976 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.792.25314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on species occurrence records of museum collections, published literature, and unpublished records shared by mammalian experts, we compiled a distribution database for 59 terrestrial mammals populating the extensively protected Dobrogea Region of Romania. The spatial patterns of mammal distribution and diversity was evaluated and systematic conservation planning applied to identify priority areas for their conservation. The spatial analyses revealed that intensive sampling was not directly correlated to mammal diversity but rather to accessibility for inventory. The spatial prioritisation analysis indicated a relatively aggregated pattern of areas with a high or low conservation value with virtually no connecting corridors between them. The significant overlap between Natura 2000 sites and national protected areas induced an over-optimistic vision of the effectiveness and representativeness of existing Natura 2000 network for species found in Annexes II and IV of the Habitats Directive. These results represent a key step in identifying core areas for the protection of mammal diversity and dispersal corridors for improved connectivity, and to guide future conservation efforts in increasing the effectiveness of the existing protected areas in the context of environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia V Miu
- University of Bucharest, Center for Environmental Research and Impact Studies, 1 N. Balcescu, 010041, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriel B Chisamera
- National Museum of Natural History Grigore Antipa, 1 Kiseleff Blvd., 011341, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel D Popescu
- University of Bucharest, Center for Environmental Research and Impact Studies, 1 N. Balcescu, 010041, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Ruben Iosif
- University Ovidius Constanţa, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Agricultural Sciences, 1 Al. Universităţii, corp B, 900470, Constanţa, Romania
| | - Andreea Nita
- University of Bucharest, Center for Environmental Research and Impact Studies, 1 N. Balcescu, 010041, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Steluta Manolache
- University of Bucharest, Center for Environmental Research and Impact Studies, 1 N. Balcescu, 010041, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Viorel D Gavril
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, 91-95 Splaiul Independenței, 050095, Bucharest, Romania.,Romanian Academy, Institute of Biology, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Cobzaru
- Romanian Academy, Institute of Biology, 296 Splaiul Independentei, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laurentiu Rozylowicz
- University of Bucharest, Center for Environmental Research and Impact Studies, 1 N. Balcescu, 010041, Bucharest, Romania
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Zagorodniuk I, Korobchenko M, Parkhomenko V, Barkaszi Z. Steppe rodents at the edge of their range: A case study of Spalax microphthalmus in the north of Ukraine. BIOSYSTEMS DIVERSITY 2018. [DOI: 10.15421/011829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on results obtained during 2000–2018 by field research, polls of colleagues, and OSINT analysis, features of distribution of the greater mole rat Spalax microphthalmus in the eastern forest steppe of Ukraine were considered. The studied part of the species’ range is unique and represents the northern range edge of the entire Spalacidae family and of European steppe faunal assemblages in general. In total, data on 146 record localities were amassed, including 13 localities in the fragmented and 133 in the continuous part of the range. The offshoots of the Central Russian Upland in the valley of the Psel river (east of Sumy Oblast) are the sites with the highest density of settlements, while the species’ type biotopes are steppe balka slopes. The abundance of the greater mole rat decreased from the east to the west, and its colonies are the most fragmented along the Dnipro River. The species occurs in steppe and meadow habitats of an area of at least 20–50 ha. Analysis of the current and former distribution of the greater mole rat revealed that the species range contracts from the west; earlier it was a common species in different regions of the Middle Dnipro Area (including Kyiv city), but the current range edge runs along the line connecting Buryn – Nedryhailiv – Lokhvytsia – Myrhorod – Hadiach – Zinkiv – Zaliznychne. Isolated settlements exist in adjacent territories, particularly in Ichnia Raion of Chernihiv Oblast, and Lubny, Khorol, and Kobeliaky Raions of Poltava Oblast. The study showed that the species’ range contracted by two times to 35,000 km2 for the last 100 years, which includes only 430,000 ha of suitable habitats (15% of the range), allowing the existence here of 86,000–215,000 individuals. In fact, the species remained only in habitats that have been minimally affected by arable farming and other forms of active agricultural use. Besides, the species shows a clear confinement to habitats located near human settlements such as untilled lands, pastures with moderate grazing, waste and neglected lands, which constitute a separate group of transformed and semi-natural habitats. Formally, this allows the greater mole rat to be considered as a synanthropic species, because its inhabited biotopes, beside the zone of offshoots of the Central Russian Upland, have remained only near villages and along roads. The species also has an important biocoenotic role due to its burrowing activity and as prey of predatory birds (e.g., of the long-legged buzzard and Eurasian eagle owl) and mammals. The feeding period of the offspring of these predators generally coincides with the aboveground activity of mole rats, which lasts during May–July with a peak in June. Aboveground activity is mainly related to the resettlement of mole rats to new sites and dispersal of the young, due to which they became victims of predators.
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Matveevsky S, Ivanitskaya E, Spangenberg V, Bakloushinskaya I, Kolomiets O. Reorganization of the Y Chromosomes Enhances Divergence in Israeli Mole Rats Nannospalax ehrenbergi (Spalacidae, Rodentia): Comparative Analysis of Meiotic and Mitotic Chromosomes. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9060272. [PMID: 29794981 PMCID: PMC6027163 DOI: 10.3390/genes9060272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Y chromosome in mammals is variable, even in closely related species. Middle East blind mole rats Nannospalax ehrenbergi demonstrate autosomal variability, which probably leads to speciation. Here, we compare the mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of mole rats. For the first time, we studied the behavior of their sex chromosomes in the meiotic prophase I using electron microscopy and immunocytochemical analysis. Unexpectedly, the sex chromosomes of the 52- and 60-chromosome forms of mole rats showed different synaptic and recombination patterns due to distinct locations of the centromeres on the Y chromosomes. The absence of recombination in the 60-chromosome form, the asymmetric synapsis, and the short-term disturbance in the synaptic co-orientation of the telomeric regions of the X and Y chromosomes were revealed as specific features of mole rat sex bivalents. We suggest several scenarios of Y chromosome alteration in connection with species differentiation in mole rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Matveevsky
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | | | - Victor Spangenberg
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Irina Bakloushinskaya
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia.
| | - Oxana Kolomiets
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
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Savić I, Ćirović D, Bugarski-Stanojević V. Exceptional Chromosomal Evolution and Cryptic Speciation of Blind Mole Rats Nannospalax leucodon (Spalacinae, Rodentia) from South-Eastern Europe. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E292. [PMID: 29068425 PMCID: PMC5704205 DOI: 10.3390/genes8110292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mole rats are exclusively subterranean and highly specialized rodents. Their long lifespans, remarkable anti-cancer mechanisms, and various distinctive adaptive features make them a useful research model. Moreover, opposing convergence of morphological traits, they have developed extremely high karyotype variability. Thus, 74 chromosomal forms have been described so far and new ones are being revealed continuously. These evolved during the process of rapid radiation and occur in different biogeographical regions. During research into their reproductive biology we have already provided substantial evidence for species-level separation of these taxa. Here, we review diverse chromosomal forms of the lesser blind mole rat, Mediterranean Nannospalax leucodon, distributed in South-eastern Europe, their karyotype records, biogeography, origin, and phylogeny from our extensive research. In the light of new data from molecular genetic studies, we question some former valuations and propose a cryptospecies rank for seven reproductively isolated chromosomal forms with sympatric and parapatric distribution and clear ecogeographical discrepances in their habitats, as well as new experimental and theoretical methods for understanding the courses of speciation of these unique fossorial mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Savić
- Biological Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Duško Ćirović
- Biological Faculty, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Vanja Bugarski-Stanojević
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Kankılıç T, Arslan A, Şeker PS, Kankılıç T, Toyran K, Zima J. A new chromosomal race (2n=44) ofNannospalax xanthodonfrom Turkey (Mammalia: Rodentia). ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09397140.2017.1349201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teoman Kankılıç
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Ömer Halisdemir University, Niğde, Turkey
| | - Atilla Arslan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | | | - Tolga Kankılıç
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Kubilay Toyran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Bitlis Eren University, Bitlis, Turkey
| | - Jan Zima
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
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