#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Gophers are an important part of the Eurasian ecosystem. However, their traditional classification, which is based on morphological characteristics and geographical habitat, has been incomplete and inaccurate. During research, scientists discovered and described a new species of Western Siberian gopher.
A team of Russian scientists, including a researcher from the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center, for the first time reconstructed the evolutionary history of palaearctic ground squirrels and discovered a new species unique to Western Siberia. Experts conducted a study using complex molecular phylogenetic analysis with additional support from morphological and genomic data, reports the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Branch.
It turned out that ancient gophers split from a common ancestor into four main groups about 6.2 million years ago. One includes species from East Asia, the second – from Eastern Europe and north-west Central Asia, the third – from Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Asia Minor. And finally, the fourth group of ground squirrels covers Central Asia and neighboring regions. Scientists have proven that Eurasian ground squirrels are more ancient than previously thought.
During the research, scientists discovered and described a new species of ground squirrel from Western Siberia. It differs from its fellows in its darker color and larger size, as well as other physical features. The new species lives between the eastern bank of the Ob river and the western slopes of the Kuznetsk Alatau. Scientists note that this is one of the smallest ranges among Eurasian ground squirrels with very small numbers.
In addition, experts draw attention to the fact that since the end of the twentieth century, a sharp decline in the number of gopher populations has been noted in Siberia: some are listed in the Red Data Books of the regions and are in danger of extinction.
“Our results have important implications for the taxonomy and classification of ground squirrels. We propose to revise the classification of the Spermophilus genus, recognizing 18 species, including a recently identified one that occurs only in a limited area in the southeast of Western Siberia. The research results can help in understanding the evolution and development of these animals, as well as their preservation”, said the study co-author, senior researcher, head of the laboratory of genomic research and biotechnology of the federal research center Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Natalya Oreshkova.
Earlier, This Is Taimyr wrote that specialists from the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences discovered a previously unknown species of weevil in the Big Norilsk region. And also that the Norilsk residents proposed name options for the northernmost beetle and the majority decided that the weevil beetle would be called Putoranchik.
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Text: Maria Sanina, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko
