Kariological and Biological Study on Genus Allactaga Cuvier,1836 (Mammalia:Rodentia) in Iran

Abstract

In this study, 64 specimens of Allactaga collected from various areas of Iran were evaluated based on morphological, biometrical, karyological, ecological and biological characteristics. It was determined that three species Aallactaga elater, Allactaga euphratica and Allactaga williamsi. That Allactaga euphratica euphratica and Allactaga euphratica williamsi , are different species rather than two subspecies. Allactaga elater , Allactaga euphratica and Allactaga williamsi were found to have identical karyotype consists of the diploid number of chromosomes 48 (2n=48) and the number of autosomal arms 92 (NFa=92). It was determined that the period March-August is breeding season of Allactaga euphratica and the period April-August of Allactaga williamsi.