Observations on the Reproductive Biology of Gerbillus dasyurus (Wagner, 1842) (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Turkey

Authors: ERCÜMENT ÇOLAK, MUSTAFA SÖZEN, NURİ YİĞİT, ŞAKİR ÖZKURT

Abstract: The reproductive data along with some ecological observations of Gerbillus dasyurus are reported based on field studies and investigations in captivity. The findings indicate that the favorable habitat of G. dasyurus is rocky areas with sparse vegetated soil and that the reproduction period extends from January to September. According to the reproductive data, the average weight at birth is 2.22 g., litter size ranges from 3 to 9, with an average of 5.66, a female gives three litters during a reproduction period. The eyes and ears also open at 16 days, weaning takes place at 32 days, and they become free at 41 days.

Keywords: Gerbillus dasyurus, reproduction biology, ecology, Turkey

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