Studies on the morphology and karyology on the genus Apodemus from Turkey, with some notes on the bioecology

Abstract

This study is based on 99 specimens of the genus Apodemus collected from Kırıkkale, Kastamonu, Kırşehir, Ankara and Mersin Provinces in Turkey, between 1992 and 2006. It was determined that, Apodemus sylvaticus, A. hermonensis and A. mystacinus,were found in these provinces. Diagnostic characters, habitat, fur color, reproduction, feeding and karyological features of each species are given in this study. To carry out karyological analysis and observe some feeding behaviors, nine specimens were kept in captivity. Karyological data showed that the diploid chromosome number (2n) for Apodemus sylvaticus, A. hermonensis and A.mystacinus was 48. Three statistical analyses, that are discriminant function analysis (DFA), principal component analysis (PCA) and unweighted pair-group average (UPGMA), were applied between this three Apodemus species showed clear discrimination between A. mystacinus and the other two species, but A. sylvaticus have not been showed clear discrimination of the A. hermonensis as morphometric in Anatolia. This study represents the first record of A. sylvaticus from Central Anatolia and second record from the Black Sea coast and the first report of A. hermonensis, including descriptions of cranial,, dentition, some biological and ecological features in Turkey