Kankilic, T.Civelek, I.Kose, B.2024-11-072024-11-0720241022-79541608-3369https://doi.org/10.1134/S102279542470073Xhttps://hdl.handle.net/11480/13990Blind mole rats (Nannospalax) in Turkey, adapted to low-oxygen subterranean habitats, demonstrate considerable diploid chromosome number diversity, including species like Nannospalax xanthodon, Nannospalax leucodon, and Nannospalax ehrenbergi. However, uncertainties persist regarding the taxonomic status and nomenclature of populations with varying diploid chromosome numbers. Resolving these uncertainties is essential for effective biodiversity management and strategic conservation planning within the ecosystem. This study focuses on elucidating the phylogenetic relationships within the blind mole rat genus Nannospalax, particularly among individuals exhibiting the 2n = 54 cytotype across diverse Turkish geographical regions. Utilizing nuclear (IRBP gene region) and mitochondrial DNA (D-loop control region and 16S rRNA gene regions), the study addresses key questions regarding the phylogenetic relationships between allopatric cytotypes sharing the same diploid chromosome number. The analyses, employing Maximum Likelihood, Neighbor Joining, and Network phylogenetic methods, reveal a preliminary differentiation level suggesting the potential existence of at least three cryptic species within the 2n = 54 cytotypes in Anatolia. It is emphasized that these conclusions are preliminary due to the limited sample size, necessitating further investigation. Additionally, the research validates the morphologically based species Nannospalax tuncelicus among Turkish blind mole rats. Genetic distance values from sequence analyses indicate significant divergence, establishing Nannospalax tuncelicus as a distinct species from other recognized species in Turkey. The study underscores the importance of resolving uncertainties in taxonomic status for effective biodiversity management and conservation planning. Future studies should expand sample sizes and comprehensively address the phylogenetic background of cytotypes, especially the & Idot;mamo & gbreve;lu-Adana (2n = 54) population within the Nannospalax ehrenbergi species, to enhance our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics within this genus.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessNannospalax16S rRNAIRBPD-looptaxonomyTurkeyArticle6091194120310.1134/S102279542470073X2-s2.0-85205818599Q4WOS:001325727500007N/A