Available data on karyotypes of the mammals from Turkey and neighbouring regions (the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the Middle East) were summarized and reviewed in respect of their implications to taxonomy and systematics. In this review, previously unpublished data are presented in 20 species. Terrestrial mammals were taken into consideration, both the native and introduced. Altogether, 156 species occurring in the region concerned were included. The karyotype was studied in 109 of these species in Turkey,
in most other species data are available from other geographic regions, and only three species remain unstudied cytogenetically. Intraspecific chromosomal variation (polymorphism or polytypy) was reported in 22 species. A karyotype different from the findings made in other regions was reported in Turkish populations of 17 species. Possible future directions of the cytogenetic investigations of mammals in the region are proposed.
This study reports for the first time the banding pattern on chromosomes of the Tatra vole, Microtus tatricus, as revealed by G-, C-, and Ag-NOR staining procedures. The banded karyotype of M. tatricus was compared with Microtus (Terricola) subterraneus, M. (Stenocranius) gregalis, and M. (Blanfordimys) aghanus. The karyotype of M. tatricus possesses highly derived features, e.g., the low diploid number of chromosomes or unique combinations of arms in the biarmed autosomes. It is almost impossible to find clear relationships of M. tatricus with other extant vole species from the point of view of comparative karyology. The karyotypic changes in voles are apparently not accompanied by adequate divergence in morphological and genetic traits.