Protein Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis as a Common Vole Sibling Species Identification Method (Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1779 and M.rossiaemeridionalis Ognev, 1924 (Rodentia, Cricetidae))

Abstract

A new protocol for the identification of two sibling species of voles Microtus arvalis and M. rossiaemeridionalis was proposed by electrophoresis of blood proteins in polyacrylamide gel (PAGE). Animals captured in ten districts of Moscow, Kaluga, and Samara oblasts and Moscow natural territories (1030 individuals), as well as those taken from vivarium collections (five hybrids of the two species), were studied. A comparison of electrophoresis in PAGE, agarose gel, and cellulose acetate plates was carried out. The use of different organs and tissues for species identification was assessed. The relative electrophoretic mobility and the mass of a species-specific blood protein of the southern vole were determined.