Contribution to the Biological Characteristics of Allactaga williamsi Thomas, 1897 in Kırıkkale Province (Mammalia: Rodentia)

Abstract

This study is based on 31 specimens of Allactaga williamsi obtained from the Kırıkkale province between 2002 and 2004. The animals, searched in the field with a projector or car headlight, were either shot dead or caught alive by using an aerial net. The specimens were divided into three age groups as young, juvenile and adult. Diagnostic characters, habitat, some biological characteristics such as fur colour, reproduction, feeding, hair morphology and karyological features of the species were recorded. Twelve specimens were kept and fed at laboratory to carry out karyological analysis and to observe their feeding habits. It was determined
that breeding season for Allactaga williamsi was on April and May and births on June. The chromosome number is (2n) 48 and the fundamental numbers (NF) are 96 and 95 for female and male respectively.