Comparative phylogeography of four Apodemus species (Mammalia: Rodentia) in the Asian Far East: evidence of Quaternary climatic changes in their genetic structure

The phylogeography of four Apodemus species (Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus peninsulae, Apodemus latronum, and Apodemus draco) was studied in the Far East of Asia, based on sequences of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene. The results obtained show the existence of many different genetic lineages within the studied Apodemus species, suggesting the isolation and differentiation of populations in multiple refuge areas. Higher genetic diversities in some regions such as Yunnan, Sichuan (China), and eastern Russia suggest these areas are potential refuges for these species. The existence of such complex genetic structures could be linked to the presence of many biogeographic barriers (Himalaya Mountains, Tien-shan Mountains, Altai Mountains, Tibetan Plateau, Gobi desert, Yunnan Guizhou Plateau, Dzungaria basin, and others) in these regions, which were probably reinforced during the Quaternary climate changes. These barriers also played an important role concerning the low dispersal abilities of the two studied Apodemus species adapted to forest habitats (A. latronum and A. draco) with respect to colonizing regions other than China. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London