Variation and frequency of rodent species in Khoram-Abbad district in Iran

Abstract:
Rodents are able to transfer more than 35 diseases to human and also cause huge damages on the economy of many countries. Khoram-Abbad district is located in mountainous area, Zagrous mountain chains, Southwest of Iran. Due to presence of varying ecosystems in this district, many species of rodents can be found here. A study was conducted between June 2002 and April 2003 to determine their species composition and where they were found. A total of 168 rodents were trapped during belonged to 2 suborders, 3 families, 9 genus and 9 species. Merionus persicus was the most dominant species (38.09%), while Sciurus anomalus was the rarest species (1.19%) among specimens. The highest biodiversity (7 species) was observed in altitude between 1800-2000 m above sea level with colder climate and grassy and wet land. In contrast, by decreasing altitude to 800-1200 m, warmer climate was recorded with drier and less grassy land. Diversity of species was also reduced to 2 species (Mus musculus and Rattus rattus) while these species were rare at level more than 1400 m.