Patterns of spatial organization and behaviour of Pygeretmus pumilio Kerr, 1792 (Dipodidae, Rodentia): Radiotelemetry study in the Dagestan desert, Russia

A radiotelemetry study of the home range area and overlap of a herbivorous jerboa, Pygeretmus pumilio Kerr, was conducted in a desert of northern Dagestan, Russia, during its spring breeding season. A high degree of mobility in this population was observed. Mean home range area was not significantly different between males and females in either the full moon or new moon tracking periods. In full moon, jerboas responded to detection by fleeing or escaping down a nearby shelter burrow with significantly greater frequency. Home range overlap between neighbours varied considerably with no obvious indication of sex-specific territoriality. Both sexes tended to escape social contacts. P. pumilio moved slowly while grazing. They were capable of extremely rapid locomotion but did so only when startled or pursued.