Phylogenetic status of endemic Chionomys nivalis mirhanreini in the Western Carpathians

Abstract

The Snow vole has a fragmented distribution restricted to the mountain and rocky regions from the southwestern
Europe to the Caucasus and the Middle East. Several subspecies have been described on the basis
of dental characters. In this study we provide more detail insight into phylogenetic status of the Snow vole
Chionomys nivalis occurring in the Western Carpathians compared to its populations within Eurasia. We
analysed 588 bp fragment of mtDNA cytochrome b gene in samples collected in the two isolated populations
within the High Tatras and Low Tatras Mountains. Our results indicate Western Carpathians as the long term
isolated refugia for C. nivalis and support the subspecies status of C. n. mirhanreini in the Western Carpathians.
The European populations are formed by two southern phylogenetic lineages – the first originates in Iberian
Peninsula and the other expanding from Balkans to the Eastern Carpathians is also visible.