Genetic Diversity of Mus macedonicus (Rodentia, Muridae) Based on Cytochrome b in the Eastern Caucasus

Fifty-one specimens of M. macedonicus from the Eastern Ciscaucasus were studied, and samples from Southern and Central Dagestan were analyzed. Based on the polymorphism of the mtDNA cytochrome b gene region (1080 bp), the genetic variability of two samples of the macedonian mouse was evaluated. The data obtained indicate a high genetic similarity of samples from Southern and Central Dagestan. This similarity, despite its considerable distance (an absolute distance of 150 km), is probably due to the recent settlement of the macedonian mouse from the territory of Southern Dagestan to the Sarykumskie Dunes, along the Caspian intrazonal biotopes with tall grasses and shrubs.