Molecular Genetic Analysis of Representatives of the Subgenus Sylvaemus (Rodentia, Muridae) in Specially Guarding Natural Areas in the Southern of Russia according to Data Analysis of a Fragment of the Cytochrome b Gene

Based on the analysis of a fragment of the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 183 individuals, the species composition and genetic diversity of the sibling species of wood mice of the subgenus Sylvaemus in the guarding areas of the Southern of Russia was studied. The Bayesian phylogenetic tree shows the existence of several clusters within the subgenus Sylvaemus group, corresponding to three species: A. (S.) uralensis, A. (S.) flavicollis and A. (S.) witherbyi. Zones of sympatric and symbiotopic coexistence of the noted species of wood mice have been identified. In the studied guarding areas of the Central Caucasus, the habitat of A. (S.) uralensis was established, the Western, in particular in the territory of the Caucasian State Nature Reserve, two species: A. (S.) uralensis and A. (S.) flavicollis, and the Eastern Caucasus of three species: A. (S.) uralensis, A. (S.) flavicollis and A. (S.) witherbyi. The degree of intra- and interspecific differentiation of species of the subgenus Sylvaemus was also assessed. Low genetic distances between geographic groupings observed within each of the studied species and the presence of similar haplotypes indicate weak genetic intraspecific differentiation. For all three species, relatively high values of genetic diversity indicators were revealed.