New Data on the Distribution and Genetic Structure of Greek Moles of the Genustalpa(mammalia, Talpidae)

In this work, we employed molecular markers and confirmed the occurrence of two mole species, Talpa stankovici and Talpa europaea in Greece. For the first species, all analyses revealed three major phylogroups, exhibiting great genetic divergence, possibly due to a vicariant event. This event was probably the Peloponnisos' insulation during the Pliocene and the following sea level fluctuations. A scenario of stable, large-sized populations for a long period rather than rapid growth from small-sized populations or founder events is supported. Additionally, T. stankovici's distribution area is extended to a southernmost limit. For T. europaea there is evidence of low genetic divergence between Greek and Central and North European populations.