Comparative analysis of genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships can aid the understanding of evolutionary history,correct taxonomic status of species,and establish conservation units.Crocidura shantungensis,the Asian lesser white-toothed shrew,is widely distributed in Northeast Asia.We examined the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship using the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence (1,140 bp) with specimens from South Korea,China,Russia,Mongolia,and Taiwan.The outcomes of the phylogenetic analyses revealed Crocidura shantungensis could be divided into 4 groups.Group A was comprised of haplotypes from the South Korean peninsula and some islands,China,Russia,and Mongolia.Group B consisted entirely of haplotypes from only Taiwan.Haplotypes from individuals of Jeju Island in South Korea made up group C,while Group D was composed of haplotypes from islands off the Southern coast of South Korea.This study suggests several independent refugia for Crocidura shantungensis in Northeast Asia during the Pleistocene glacial periods.In order to develop a more complete picture of the evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships of this species in Northeast Asia,further sampling within central China and the use of additional markers such as microsatellites and nuclear DNA sequences are needed.