The intraspecies variability of Spermophilus relictus sensu lato Kaschkarov 1923 (Sciuridae, Rodentia)

Abstract

The intraspecies variability of Spermophilus relictus sensu lato was studied based on 27 measurements of skulls from 67 specimens of relict ground squirrels (S. relictus) and 66 specimens of Tien Shan ground squirrels (S. ralli), as well as six specimens of the relict ground squirrel from the Gissar Ridge (Tien Shan). A colorimetric analysis of skins of relict ground squirrels (19 specimens, including three individuals from the Gissar Ridge) and Tien Shan ground squirrels (19 specimens) was made. Significant intraspecies variability was found in the relict and Issyk-Kul ground squirrels, whereas the interspecies differences were small, raising questions about the species independence of the Tien Shan ground squirrel (S. ralli).