Habitat selection of Williams’ Jerboa (Allactaga williamsi Thomas, 1897) in Ardabil Province, Iran

Investigation of habitat affinities of Williams’ Jerboa in Ardabil Province showed that its activity pattern and habitat selection are positively correlated with relatively barren areas with slopes of lower than 20% covered by Festuca ovina, Trifolium montanum, and Bromus scoparius. Statistical analysis indicated that the Agropyron-Stipa vegetation type was selected more frequently by the species. This jerboa avoids plant species of the genus Acantholimon because of their lower adaptational value for the species’ survival. The positive correlation between the Williams’ Jerboa’s presence and some plant species may be related to the high nutritional value of the plants, but behavioral mechanisms in avoiding or using different vegetation structures should also be considered in defining its habitat selection process.