New analysis of variability of cheek teeth in Eurasian badgers (Carnivora, Mustelidae,...

Variation of cheek teeth in 661 specimens of Eurasian badgers was studied. Geographicdistribution of tooth size and morphotypical characters was analyzed. Presence of two groups of badgers(“western” and “eastern”) regarded as allopatric species Meles meles and M. anakuma is confirmed. Thesmall badger from south-western Norway is placed in a new subspecies M. meles milleri ssp. nov. Mosaicpattern of distribution of dental characters and different directions of specialization of cheek teeth in Melesmeles and M. anakuma are established. It is assumed on the basis of paleontological material that both speciesoriginated from the Late Pliocene M. thorali, their divergence began in the early Pleistocene, and separationon species level occurred in the Middle Pleistocene.

Английский

Russian Journal of Theriology. – 2002. – Vol. 1, № 2. – P. 133–149.