First record of the root vole Microtus oeconomus (PALLAS, 1776) (Arvicolidae, Rodentia, Mammalia) in Croatia – fossil remains from the Late Pleistocene of Vindija cave

Abstract

Late Pleistocene remains of Microtus oeconomus (PALLAS, 1776), a species that is not any more a member of the extant fauna of Croatia, have been recently found in Vindija Cave sediments. The sample of 21 teeth shows a slight increase of M1 length and decrease of A/L ratio within the cave sequence from older (G complex; 32 to 42 ka) towards younger strata (E+F complex; layer E is dated at ca. 18.5 ka). The most frequent morphotype is type B sensu NADACHOWSKI (1982). The new record does not allow further detailed ecological implications than what is already known about the Late Pleistocene habitats in this region.

Keywords

• root vole, Microtus oeconomus, teeth, morphometric analyses, Late Pleistocene, Vindija Cave, Croatia