Two previously unknown mole species have been identified in the rugged mountains of eastern Turkey. These subterranean mammals had remained hidden from scientific study for roughly three million years, underscoring how much Earth still guards from human view. Their discovery adds a new chapter to the story of mammal diversity and reminds researchers that there is still much to learn about life on our planet.
In a collaborative effort, a team of international scientists described two moles that bear the names Talpa hakkariensis and Talpa davidiana tatvanensis. These creatures belong to a family of burrowing, invertebrate-eating mammals whose ranges span Europe and parts of Western Asia. The finding enriches our understanding of the geographic spread and ecological variety of Eurasian moles.
It is worth noting that while Europe hosts only two native mole species in Spain, the European mole and the Iberian mole, the eastern regions harbor a wider diversity. The eastern slopes of Europe reveal multiple distinct taxa, each adapted to local conditions.
difficult weather conditions
The newly described moles inhabit environments shaped by extreme temperatures. They display adaptations that enable survival across a wide thermal range, thriving when temperatures swing from cold winter lows to hot summer highs. In their habitats, these moles endure heavy snow and surprisingly hot spells, with resilience that allows activity across seasons and seasons in some locales when surface conditions are harsh.
DNA sequencing proved essential to distinguishing these species. Without molecular data, the differences among similar mole forms could remain hidden. The researchers note that the new moles show distinct genetic signatures and morphological traits compared with their close relatives, a finding detailed in the latest study.
Because moles live underground, evolutionary change tends to proceed slowly in many lineages. Yet close examination with modern genetics reveals meaningful differences between populations that were once lumped together. The study demonstrates how genetic tools can illuminate variation that morphology alone might miss.
There are currently 18 types of moles in Europe and Asia.
Alongside genetic analysis, researchers examined body size and shape using advanced quantitative methods. These analyses also incorporated historical specimens from museum collections, some collected in the 19th century, to broaden the comparative framework. The outcome increased the count of Eurasian mole species from 16 to 18, with each taxon exhibiting a unique combination of genetic and physical traits.
Talpa hakkariensis was identified in the Hakkari region of southeastern Turkey, showing a suite of morphological and genetic features that set it apart. Talpa davidiana tatvanensis was found near Bitlis, in southeastern Turkey, and while it displays distinctive characteristics, it has been described as a subspecies within a broader Talpa complex. Known as Father David’s mole in some circles, Talpa davidiana has a presence in Iran and was first described in the late 19th century. Its habitat loss has raised concerns about its conservation status.
The discovery of new mammal species, even in the 21st century, remains a real possibility. Current estimates suggest roughly 6,500 mammal species have been cataloged globally, while hundreds of thousands of insect species are known, with many more yet to be described. This discrepancy highlights how much biodiversity is still hidden, especially in less-studied regions and habitats.
Scientists stress that public assumptions about knowing all Earth’s species are often mistaken. The new findings emphasize the need to revisit and refine taxonomic classifications as more data become available. This approach helps paint a truer picture of biodiversity and biogeography.
The researchers assert that future work will likely reveal even greater diversity than currently recognized, including additional mole species awaiting discovery. With climate change and habitat alteration, documenting and understanding this diversity becomes urgent. The concluding message is clear: recognizing species exists is the first step toward their conservation.
Reference work, at this link.
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