Genetic Variability and Structure of the Caucasian Shrew Sorex satunini in the North Caucasus according to the Variability of Microsatellite Loci

Abstract

The variability of the microsatellite loci of the Caucasian shrew Sorex satunini in the North Caucasus was evaluated. It was shown that this species on this territory is represented by two discrete genetic lines associated with the basins of the Kuban and Terek rivers. The genetic diversity of the Caucasian shrew from the line of the Kuban River basin is characterized by a significantly higher polymorphism compared to the line from the Terek River basin. These differences are associated with both modern habitat conditions of S. satunini and the history of this species in the Western and Central Caucasus.