Author(s): Rácz, G. R., Gubányi, A. & Vozár, Á.
Title: Morphometric differences among Root vole (Muridae: Microtus oeconomus) populations in Hungary
Year: 2005
Volume: 51
Pages: 135-149.
Abstract: Isolated by hundreds of kilometers from the main population, the southernmost populations of root voles (Microtus oeconomus) are vulnerable to extinction in Hungary. Due to restrictions imposed by their protected status, only a limited number of surveys have been conducted to assess the status of the Hungarian populations. Our goal was to understand the historical relationship between Hungarian populations by analyzing morphological skull similarities. We examined skeletal materials deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum using geometric morphometric methods. We postulated that greater similarities would be observed among populations that were connected for longer time and smaller populations would exhibit a higher rate of morphological divergence. Individuals from northern Germany were used as an out-group to estimate the ancestral shape of root vole skulls. Comparison of mandibles and skulls indicates that root vole populations form four regional clusters in Hungary. Two distinct northern groups occupy the Szigetköz and Hanság area. Populations near Lake Balaton form a third, and animals from Kiskunság represent the fourth, highly divergent group. Populations in the Hanság area show the least morphological divergence compared to the out-group indicating that either Hanság was able to support the largest population of root voles or the area served as a center of dispersion for the colonization of other suitable habitats in Hungary.
Keywords: root vole, Microtus oeconomus, geometric morphometrics, conservation status, metapopulation
Journal: Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
Journal abbreviation:
ISSN: 1217-8837
Publisher: Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest
Editor(s): Bakonyi, G. & Peregovits, L.
