Distribution of Zokors (Myospalax, Rodentia) in Transbaikalia

Bazhenov Yu. A., Pavlenko M. V.

В журнале Biology Bulletin

Год: 2020 Том: 47 Номер: 9 Страницы: 1235–1244

The ranges of all three zokor (Myospalax) species, the little-studied burrowing rodent, are described in southeastern Transbaikalia, Russia, based on the results of special expeditions. Myospalax aspalax inhabits only the Onon River basin, M. psilurus populates the forested steppe in the Argun River basin and the upper reaches of the Borzya River (a tributary of the Onon River), while M. armandii is known only from the Klichkinskii Mountain Range. The distribution area of M. armandii is very small (less than 2000 km2) and is isolated from the other parts of the range (in China). The zokor species in the region are shown to be parapatric, with no sympatry being involved. The ranges of M. psilurus and M. armandii are the closest, the distance between the closest settlements being less than 5 km. Reduction in the zokor distributions is observed in Transbaikalia. It is advisable to include M. armandii on the Red Data list of Russia

DOI 10.1134/S1062359020090034

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