Genetic differentiation in Cricetulus migratorius Pallas, 1773 (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

The grey hamster Cricetulus migratorius is the most widespread and ecologically opportunistic species among Palearctic hamsters. Genetic diversity across most of its range was examined by using cytochrome b (cytb) and cytochrome oxidase I (coI) gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three well-differentiated allopatric lineages. The western lineage is distributed in Ukraine, Central and South Russia, Caucasus and Anatolia; the eastern lineage occupies Kazakhstan, Turan, Mongolia, West China and some mountain areas in western Central Asia. The Lower Volga valley may act as the barrier between these two phylogroups. The third lineage is found only in the Qurama Mountains (Uzbekistan). Mitochondrial data are in good agreement with the results of previous craniometric and allozyme studies, suggesting a subdivision into migratorius (eastern) and phaeus (western) subspecies groups.