Geographical distribution and karyotype of Nannospalax ehrenbergi (Nehring 1898) (Rodentia, Spalacidae) in Iraq

Abstract

This paper concerns the karyological analysis of fourteen mole rats collected in four different localities of North-Iraq (Kurdistan Region). The result showed that they belong to the following cytotypes of Nannospalax ehrenbergi: Duhok-Bardarash Population 2n = 52, NF = 76, and NFa = 72 and Arbil-Sulaimania-Kirkuk populations 2n = 52, NF = 80 and NFa = 76. The karyotypes of the Duhok population are similar to those from Mosul, but the Arbil-Sulaimania-Kirkuk populations' karyotype represents a new chromosomal form. Their distribution extends from North Iraq to Sulaimania.