Problems of diagnostics and systematics in moles (Insectivora, Talpidae, Talpa) from the Caucasus

摘要

The possibility of diagnostics of two sympatric mole species (Talpa levantis, T. caucasica) was studied based on available parameters of the skull and tooth structure. Variation of 41 metric parameters and 10 quantitative characters in these mole organs were analyzed. A procedure to separate both taxa by using methods of multidimensional statistics is Proposed. New diagnostic parameters for reliable identification of both species were revealed. The coefficients of canonical functions were calculated. The systematics status of all the Talpa taxa described from the Caucasus and adjacent regions is improved. The habitation of the mole species described in the Caucasus is confirmed. A possible species status of moles from Talysh region is proposed.