Description, taxonomy, and distribution of Talpa davidiana

Abstract

The type of Talpa streeti is shown to be cranially very close to and thus probably conspecific with Scaptochirus davidianus, a little known mole described from the border between "Syria and Asia Minor". The pelvis of T. davidiana is of caecoidal type, thus disproving any relationship between this species and Scaptochirus moschatus from China. This species is known from two Localities in Iran (Kurdistan) and from three regions in Turkey: vicinity of Meydanekbez, Hakkari and Tatvan. Around Tatvan, T. davidiana is sympatric with T. levantis. Specimens of T. davidiana from Iran and Hakkari have a complete dental complement of 44 teeth. Due to the absence of Lower incisors and the peglike premolars, this number is reduced to 38 in three moles from Tatvan and to 39 (asymmetry) in the type of S. davidianus.