Gerbillus dasyurus (Rodentia: Gerbillinae) Record from Hatay Province, in the South of Turkey

Abstract

Wagner’s gerbil, Gerbillus dasyurus, is present in Middle East, Arabian Peninsula and marginally into eastern desert of Egypt. The only records have been taken from Kilis in Turkey. In the present study, 10 specimens were collected from three localities in the Hatay Province. These specimens were captured in rocky hills and slopes with poor soil and vegetation on blocky igneous rocks, and also in the rocky lava flow area in the north eastern part of the Hatay Province. Diploid number of chromosome, number of chromosomes and fundamental number of autosomal arms of the specimens was found as 2n = 60, NF = 70 and NFa = 66, respectively. The relative abundance of species was estimated to be 2.74. The mean of the entire baculum is 2.37 mm long, and 0.52 mm the maximum wide (n=3). Number of roots on molars: 3 (M1 and M2), 2 (M1 and M2) and, 1 M3 and M3. The tail lenght is markedly longer than the total legnth of head and body. Morphological and karyologic characters of the samples verify that the indivuduals investigated belongs to Gerbillus dasyurus. However, it is possible to show inter- and intrapopulational variations because of the differences seen in the root number of M1, the proportion of the tail, and the shape of baculum etc., through a detailed study that covers all distribution area. This record is the second record of the species from Turkey. Since no examples could be obtained in the later studies in Kilis region, which was the first record locality, the protection of the new record localities in Hatay is important for the survival of the species in Turkey.