Karyotype of Nannospalax ehrenbergi (Nehring 1898) (Rodentia: Spalacidae) in the Mosul Province, Iraq

The karyotypes of mole rats Nannospalax ehrenbergi (Nehring 1897) from two closely located populations from Mosul province, Iraq, were investigated. The karyotype of this form was 2n = 52, NF = 76, NFa = 72 which consists of 11 pairs of metacentric/submetacentric autosomes, and 14 pairs of acrocentric autosomes. The X chromosome was large and metacentric, whereas the Y chromosome was small and acrocentric. The species occurrence in Iraq, based on literature overview and the present study, was updated. Karyotypic data for the Nannospalax ehrenbergi from Iraq are presented for the first time.