DIFFERENTIATION AND A PROBLEM OF MOOSE (ARTIODACTYLA, CERVIDAE, ALCES) SYSTEMATICS

Some metrical and nonmetrical features of moose from Europe, Siberia, the Far East and North America were studies. The obtained data confirm Flerov's opinion (1931, 1934) on differentiation of recent moose into two large groups: European moose (Europe, West Siberia) and American ones (North America, East Siberia and the Far East). Differentiation o f these moose groups takes place at the specific level since European and American moose differ in genetics, morphology, ethology and ecolog y. Two recent moose species are proposed for consideration: Alces alce s L. (Europe, West Siberia) and A. americanus Clinton (North America, East Siberia and the Far East).