A Biosystematic Survey of Shiraz (Central Part) Rodents

Recognition of animal taxa such as rodents is one of the essential terms for each fundamental and applied study. So in this study, rodents’ diversity of Shiraz (central part) and especially Bamoo National Park was studied. Sampling was performed during one year by use of live and snap traps from different places which have variable soil kinds, plant covering and other geomorphological characters. Results reveal that seven species exist in this area: Mus musculus; Tatera indica; Meriones persicus; Meriones libycus; Rattus rattus; Microtus irani; Hystrix indica. These samples were recognized based on morphological and karyological studies and their dental and skull characters. Microtus irani and Meriones persicus and also Tatera indica and Meriones libycus were sympatric. Based on this study Microtus irani as a species which so far is recognized only from its type locality (Shiraz) was studied and its existence based on statistical studies is confirmed. In addition to house mouse that has a cosmopolitan distribution, Meriones persicus has a wide distribution in Bamoo National Park. This may because of its suitable adaptation with ecological situation. Ectoparasites of rodents were collected from rodents’ body and were recognized which are as follows: Cetenocephaledes canis(on Meriones libycus and Tatera indica and Microtus irani), Ornithnyssus bacoti (on Meriones libycus and Tatera indica) and Poly pylax (on Tatera indica).