Variability of craniometrical attributes of two subspecies of golden hamster (Rodentia, Cricetidae) on Northern Caucasus

Variability of craniometrical attributes of two subspecies of golden hamster M. r. nigriculus and M. r. аvaricus in conditions of Northern Caucasus is studied. By the discriminantal analysis it is shown, that the distinctions revealed between subspecies have concerned sexual, age and geographical variability. The received results specify larger sizes of skull M. r. аvaricus in comparison with M. r. nigriculus, as in senior, and a minor age group. Probably, high level of craniometrical distinctions at noted subspecies tes-tifies to specific independence of M. radder nigriculus.