Systematics, distribution and ecological analysis of rodents in Jordan
Date
2018Author
Amr, Zuhair
Abu Baker, Mohammad
Qumsiyeh, Mazin
Eid, Ehab
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Distributional and ecological data were given to all rodents of Jordan. The rodent fauna of Jordan
consists of 28 species with 20 genera in eight families (Cricetidae, Dipodidae, Gliridae,
Hystricidae, Muridae, Myocastoridae, Sciuridae, and Spalacidae), including four introduced
species. Keys for families and species were provided, along with diagnosis for each species and
cranial illustrations for most species. Habitat preference and zoogeographic affinities of rodents
in Jordan were analyzed, as well as their status and conservation. Threat categories and causes of
threats on the rodents of Jordan were also analyzed.
The distribution of rodents in Jordan represents a reflection of their global distribution
ranges and habitat preferences. Species associated with the temperate forest of northern Jordan
includes Sciurus anomalus and two wood mice, Apodemus mystacinus and A. flavicollis, while
non-forested areas are represented by Nannospalax ehrenbergi and Microtus guentheri. Strict
sand dwellers include Gerbillus cheesmani and G. gerbillus. Petrophiles associated with
sandstone or black lava deserts are exemplified by Acomys russatus, A. r. lewsi, H. indica and S.
calurus. Others including: Jaculus jaculus, G. nanus, G. henleyi, Meriones crassus, and M.
libycus are all desert-adapted species with wider ranges of distribution where scarce vegetation,
Wādībeds, and marabs with clay, loess, or gravel surfaces provide foraging grounds and shelter.
A single species, Gerbillus dasyurus, exhibits a wide range of distribution over diverse habitat
types.
The rodent fauna of Jordan consists of assemblages of different zoogeographical
affinities. Nine, three, and seven were restricted or had most of its range within the
Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Saharo Arabian, respectively. Sciurus anomalus, Apodemus
sp., Nannospalax ehrenbergi, and Microtus guentheri reached their most southern range of
distribution in the Mediterranean regions of Jordan. The distribution of Gerbillus cheesmani
extends from Asian deserts in India westwards into the Arabian Peninsula crossing Jordan as its
most western range of distribution. Typical rodents of Saharo-Arabian affinities are represented
by desert jerboas, gerbils, and jirds. North African species such as G. andersoni, G. gerbillus
reached their most eastern distribution in southern Jordan. Both G. henleyi and G. nanus are
widely-distributed species across North Africa reaching as far as India to the east, representing
most northern outpost for these two species. Sekeetamys calurus is a nearly endemic to the
Eastern Mediterranean region within southern Jordan and Sinai. Relicts are represented by
Eliomys melanurus and Acomys russatus lewisi.
Several threats affecting the rodent biodiversity in Jordan were identified including
habitat loss and degradation, human disturbance and related activity, legislative and public
awareness. The global conservation status of the rodents of Jordan according to the IUCN Red
List include 22 species as least concern, one as near threatened (Allactaga euphratica), and one
as data deficient (Nannospalax ehrenbergi). According to the regional assessment, one species is
critically endangered, three species are considered endangered, one vulnerable.
Collections
- Faculty of Science [82]