Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Fernando Ribeiro da Mata
Arid environments suffer anthropogenic interference causing habitat degradation. This degradation can influence animal populations. We randomly captured a total of 198 lesser jerboas Jaculus jaculus in three seasons (autumn, spring and summer) in two relatively close areas (intact and degraded). All animals were sexed, and weight, body and tail length, and thigh thickness were taken. We found significant differences in weight (p < 0.001), which was lower in summer (p < 0.05) when fewer food resources were available. Thigh thickness was greater in the intact habitat (p < 0.01), explained by the greater amount of food resources and also by the higher numbers of predators in this area, prompting escape behaviour. Females in the intact area were heavier and had longer bodies and tails. This was related to greater availability of time for mothers to search for food in this area.
Author(s): Al-Matairi M, Mata F, Bhuller R
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
Year: 2012
Volume: 35
Issue: 1
Pages: 119-124
Print publication date: 01/01/2012
Date deposited: 23/09/2013
ISSN (print): 1578-665X
ISSN (electronic): 2014-928 X
Publisher: Museu de Ciencies Naturals de Barcelona
URL: http://abc.museucienciesjournals.cat/volum-35-1-2012-abc/the-effect-of-habitat-degradation-season-and-gender-on-morphological-parameters-of-lesser-jerboas-jaculus-jaculus-l-in-kuwait/?lang=en
