Nonmetric cranial variation and divergence of European sousliks (Citellus citellus) from Yugoslavia (Rodentia, Sciuridae)

Abstract

Variation in 25 nonmetric cranial traits was assessed for 107 adult skulls from 5 populations of Citellus citellus of the Pannonian Plain and Macedonia (Yugoslavia). The Mean Measure of Divergence (MMD), based on trait frequencies, was used to express the interpopulation differences. Three samples from the Pannonian Plain were relatively similar to each other; however, they differed from the two Macedonian samples. The results suggested the existence of three subspecies, two from Macedonia and one from the Pannonian Plain. Differences among souslik populations were ascribed to a divergence caused by allopatry.

Key words:

• Citellus citellus
• Nonmetric variation
• Evolutionary divergence
• Subspecies status