Genetic analyses of mtDNA (cytochrome-b) of Siberian chipmunks and other alien rodents introduced to Europe. Genetics of invasive Eutamias sibiricus and other alien rodents in Europe

The Siberian chipmunk Eutamias sibiricus is native to north-eastern Asia, but alien populations, mostly composed by a low number of individuals, have been established in many European countries. In Europe, invasive populations of Siberian chipmunks occurs in Italt, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. We aimed at assessing the origin of Siberian chipmunks introduced to Europe by analysing their mtDNA gene cytochrome-b to infer their native geographic range. The ongoing taxonomic splitting of this species, if accepted by the scientific community, will require a revision of the European Regulation 1143/2014, which currently bans the trade of Siberian chipmunk only, with no explicit consequences on the Korean taxon.