Observations on the reproduction biology of meriones meridianus pallas, 1773 (mammalia: rodentia) in turkey

Özkurt Ş., YİĞİT N., ÇOLAK E., Sözen M., Verimli R.

Zoology in the Middle East, vol.23, no.1, pp.23-29, 2001 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2001
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09397140.2001.10637864
  • Journal Name: Zoology in the Middle East
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.23-29
  • Keywords: Ecology, Postnatal development, Reproduction biology, Rodentia, Turkey
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The reproduction biology of Meriones meridianus was investigated in the field and laboratory. The distribution in Turkey is confined to a relatively small area in the extreme east of the country. The duration of pregnancy in uncontrolled laboratory conditions was found to last 24–27 days, and average birth weight to be 2.45 g. The litter size was determined to vary between 5 and 7 at birth. The breeding season of this species lasted from May to October. The development of body measurements during the postembryonal period is shown. © 2001 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.