Investigations on Biology of Meriones crassus Sundevall, 1842 (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Turkey

Authors: Nuri YİĞİT, Ercüment ÇOLAK, Mustafa SÖZEN

Abstract: In this study, biological and ecological aspects of Meriones crassus were investigated based on field and laboratory observations. In this connection, it was determined that distribution of this species was restricted to the Southeastern Turkey, and their burrows are simple with one entrance and contain a food storage chamber. The duration of pregnancy was estimated at 23-25 days and the average birth weight is 3 g. The litter size was determined to vary between 2 and 7, and in captivity, the breeding season of this species lasted from February to October.

Keywords: Biology, Ecology, M.crassus, Turkey.