Order Insectivora
Order Insectivora contains the most primitive placental mammals.
Members of this order are characterized by a pointed snout and a small
brain case. Also, some species have a cloaca, where the genital and the
urinary tracts have a common duct. Teeth are sharp and pointed. Solenodon,
Tenrecs, otter shrews, golden moles elephant shrews,, shrews and hedgehogs
are some examples of this order. This order is represented by two families
occurring in Jordan; Erinaceidae and Soricidae.
Family Erinaceidae
This family includes the hedgehogs. They are characterized
by the spines that covers the dorsal and the lateral aspects of the body.
The tail is short and stumpy. Eyes are rather small but well developed.
Erinaceus concolor
Martin
Common name: European Hedgehog
Diagnosis: Large in size. Ears short not extending
above the spines. Palms and soles are naked. Antrio-median spineless gap
on head. Belly buff white.
Remarks: It seems that E. concolor prefers woodland
rather than arid areas. Atallah (1977) speculated that the southernmost
limit for the distribution of this species may be around Tafila.
This species is known to survive in a relatively colder habitat with
rather dense vegetation (Schoenfeld and Yom-Tov, 1985). One specimen was
collected from Tafila area, but it was not seen or collected from Wadi
Araba and the desert parts of the country. A specimen caught from Jarash
area was kept in the laboratory and was fed freshwater snails, eggs and
vegetables.
Localities: Mahis, Jubayha, Jarash, Al-Hummar, Ramtha, Tafila,
Irbid.
Status: Common
Hemiechinus auritus
(Gmelin)
Long Eared Hedgehog
Diagnosis: Presence of long ears is distinctive of
this hedgehog. Face is white with little brown around the eyes. Belly white.
Tip of dorsal spines white. Base of the scapular spines black. A gap in
the forehead spines lacking.
Remarks: Atallah (1977) collected this species in the Amman area.
He indicated that the long-eared hedgehog could tolerate extreme arid conditions
and found that it feed on desert rodents.
The long eared hedgehog breeds in May until October with most births
during the summer. Gestation lasts for about 37 days and the newborn are
hairless but with soft spines. They may hibernate for as long as 40 days
in their burrows.
Localities: West Dohaybeh, Amman, Dana, Karak, Irbid.
Status: Vulnerable.
Paraechinus aethiopicus
(Ehrenberg)
Ethiopian Hedgehog
Diagnosis: Dark terminal end of the dorsal spikes.
Face white surrounded by brown. The ventral side, legs and feet are all
dark brown.
Remarks: Probably two subspecies of the Ethiopian Hedgehog are found
in Jordan; P. a. pectoralis (Heuglin, 1861) originally collected
from Petra area, and P. a. ludlowi Thomas 1919, which was collected
from Azraq-Shishan (Atallah, 1977). Amr et al. (1997) reported that
the Ethiopian hedgehog is part of the eagle owl’s
diet in Azraq area.
This is a true desert species adapted to survive in arid habitats.
The Ethiopian hedgehog feed on frogs and arthropods. It was reported that
it hibernate during winter, but awake every few days to feed. Females may
produce 2 to 3 letters a year.
Localities: Wadi Dhlil, Qasr Al-Halabat, Wadi Araba, Mafraq.
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Soricidae
This family contains the shrews, identified by their long,
narrow and pointed snout. The family includes the smallest living mammals,
where some species do not exceed 4 cm long and weigh 2 grams. They are
short legged, with five toes per foot. Shrews are known fore their extremely
high metabolic rate as well as rapid heart pulse. They feed exclusively
on lower invertebrates and insects.
Crocidura saveolens
(Pallas)
Lesser White-toothed Shrew
Diagnosis: Body length more than 100 mm. No
sharp line on the flanks separating the dorsal and the ventral aspect.
Upper jaw with 3 unicuspid teeth, 26 teeth
Remarks: Recent collection of owl pellets from Azraq Nature Reserve
yielded a total of 12 skulls of the lesser white-toothed shrew (Amr
et al., 1997). Some pellets included 3-4 skulls. Harrison and Bates
(1989) collected specimens from different types of habitats ranging from
long dry grasses, thick vegetation along streams and forested areas as
in Ajlune. Hellwing (1970) gave an account on the breeding of this species
in captivity, with an average gestation period of about 29 days, litter
size range from 1 to 7, with an average of 3 newborns.
Localities: Azraq Shishan, Wadi Zaraq, N. Ajlune, W Sakeb, W
Karak.
Status: Unknown
Suncus etruscus Savi
Savi's Pigmy Shrew
Diagnosis: Small shrew, less than 90 mm in total
length. Sharp line on the flanks separating the dorsal and the ventral
aspect. Tail longer than head-body length, usually bi-coloured covered
by short hair. Upper jaw with 4 unicuspid teeth, 30 teeth.
Remarks: Very little is known about the biology of the Pigmy shrew.
It occupies semi arid and moist habitats. Atallah (1977) reported on coleopteran
exoskeleton from stomach contents of specimens collected from Azraq.
Localities: Azraq Shishan.
Status: Unknown.
Order Chiroptera
Order Chiroptera includes the flying bats, one of the most
successful mammals that spread throughout out the world. The modification
of the fore limbs into a membranous-wing like structure enabled bats to
fly and crosses continents. Five families are represented in Jordan. The
Megachiroptera or they flying foxes, are fruit eating bats, while the Microchiroptera
are insect-eating bats.
Within the past two decades, the Chiroptera of Jordan was
studied extensively (Atallah, 1977, De Blase, 1972, Qumsiyeh, 1980, Qumsiyeh,
et al. 1986 and 1992; Bates & Harrison 1989, Qumsiyeh, et
al. in press). So far, 24 bat species were recorded from Jordan.
Suborder Megachiroptera
Family Pteropodidae
This family includes the fruit-eating bats. The tail is very
short and wing span is about 70 cm. Only one species belonging to this
family is known to occur in Jordan.
Rousettus aegyptiacus
aegyptiacus (E. G. St. Hilaire)
Egyptian Fruit Bat
Diagnosis: Large. Snout long, similar in shape
to that of a fox. Second finger equipped with claw. Wingspan may reach
about 55 cm.
Remarks: This is the largest bat occurring in Jordan. The fruit
bat feeds on orange and other fruit trees. In a cave near Al-Hemma, more
than a thousand bats were seen during May 1983 (Amr et. al., 1987).
Another large colony was observed at Wadi Ben Hammad, where thousands of
bats were active in a cave along the stream sides. This bat do not hibernate
but becomes inactive in cold weather.
Localities: Ghore As-Safi, Wadi Fidan, Al-Hemma, Wadi Ben Hammad,
Zarka River, Amman.
Status: Common.
Suborder Microchiroptera
Family Rhinopomatidae
(Mouse-tailed bats)
Bats of this family possess a long tail, the second digit
equipped with four phalanges. Ears are well developed and connected together
by a connecting membrane. Tragus present. The snout is characterized by
a dermal ridge.
Rhinopoma hardwickei
Gray
Lesser Rat-tailed Bat
Diagnosis: Small bat. Forearm never over 60 mm, greatest
length of the skull not over 20 mm. Tail longer than forearm.
Remarks: About 30-40 bat were observed at a cave in Wadi Fidan (Qumsiyeh
et al., 1992). The lesser mouse-tailed bat prefers open caves. Atallah
(1977) reported that R. h. hardwickei as abundant among ruins with
colonies of 25-200 bats. Also, he indicated that this species remains active
all year round. Atallah (1977) suggested that R. hardwicki do not
hibernate, based on collection dates. R. hardwicki is a small form
compared with Rhinopoma microphyllum where cranial broadest length
dose not exceed 17.5 mm and forearm usually shorter than tail, not exceeding
50 mm (Atallah, 1977).
Atallah (1977) considered the population in Jordan as R. h.
cystops Thomas, however, Qumsiyeh (1985) recognized the Jarash population
as R. h. arabium Thomas. A group of 30-40 bats were
observed in a cave at Wadi Fidan during June, where they were active (Qumsiyeh
et al., 1992; Qumsiyeh et al., In press).
Localities: Jarash, Wadi Fidan,
Status: Vulnerable.
Rhinopoma microphyllum
(Brunnich)
Greater Rat-tailed Bat
Diagnosis: Largest moustailed bats. Forearm over
60 mm. Tail shorter than forearm.
Remark: Apparently, R. microphyllum is a rare species.
Nader (1975) and from our personal observations, the greater mouse-tailed
bat roosts along with R. hardwickei, where both species prefers
dray and arid habitats. Confusion may occur in diagnosing this species
and R. hardwicki (Qumsiyeh et al., In press).
Localities: Tabaqet Fahal.
Status: Vulnerable
Family Emballonuridae
(Sheath-tailed Bats)
Species of this family are characterized by a projecting tail
through the dorsal surface of the tail membrane. The tragus is well developed.
Two species were so far recorded from Jordan.
Taphozous perforatus
E. Geoffory St.-Hilaire
Tomb Bat
Diagnosis: Base of wing membrane covered with fur.
Tragus broad without a developed basal lobule. Forearm 61-65 mm.
Remarks: The tomb bat was found in a cave with abundance of fruit
bats. It was also collected from a small cave by the sea and in a desert
house (Harrison, 1962).
Localities: Ghore As Safi.
Status: Vulnerable
Taphozous nudiventris
Cretzschmar 1830
Naked Bellied Tomb Bat
Diagnosis: A distinctive tragus with a wide curved
anterior and a rather wide base. Long hair projects from the back of toes,
the lower back and abdomen are entirely naked.
Remarks: The naked bellied tomb bat is a rare species in Palestine.
So far, it was collected from few localities in Palestine; near Sea of
Galilee, Wadi Amud, N Haifa (Harrison & Bates, 1991), Jericho (Allen,
1915) and Mount Quarantania (Qumsiyeh, 1996). However, T. nudiventris
is quite common along the Tigris and the Euphrates in Iraq (Al-Robaae,
1968).
Taphozous nudiventris roosts in deserted and old buildings as
well as narrow crevices. Mating usually occurs during September and October,
while hibernation extends from November to March (Al-Robaae, 1968).
Harrison (1977) stated that T. nudiventris travel long distances
at night looking for a prey. Whether this specimen originate west of the
River Jordan (i.e. Jericho), where it was reported earlier (Allen, 1915)
or from the eastern side remains speculative. Large fat deposits in the
abdominal regions as in Rhinopoma are exhibited by T. nudiventris
and seems to be a source of reserve nutrition for hibernation (Qumsiyeh,
1996). It was reported recently from the Jordan Valley by Darweesh et
al. (1997).
Localities: near the Dead Sea (between South Shounah and Swymah).
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Rhinolophidae
Members of this family are distinguished by the presence of
a leaf located anterior to the nostrils with a single lancet. Ears without
tragus. The tail is connected with the membrane.
Rhinolophus blasii
blasii Peters
Peters' Horseshoe Bat
Diagnosis: This is a small bat. Sella wedge-shaped
with a pointed upwards connecting process, noseleaf broad. Fur brown yellowish.
Wing membrane extends to ankles. Membranous nose leaves is characteristic
to this genus.
Remarks: Qumsiyeh (1980) collected a single specimen from Mogharet
Al-Roum, Jarash. It was also reported from Tabaqet Fahal, Karak, Jarash
Refugee Camp and Amman (Qumsiyeh et al. 1986). Little was reported
on the ecology of this species. However, it prefers small caves as most
other Rhinolophus species.
Localities: Jarash, Madaba, Zubya, Wadi Fienan.
Status: Vulnerable
Rhinolophus clivosus
Cretzschmar
Arabian Horseshoe Bat
Diagnosis: The connecting process of the sella is
blunt from an inside view. It is characterized by it is large size reaching
43.0-52.1 mm for the forearm and 19.1-21.9 mm for the greatest length of
the skull. Color usually smoke to drab gray.
Remarks: The Arabian horseshoe bat was collected from Qwyra and
Wadi Rum (Qumsiyeh et al, 1992). The subspecies R. c. clivosus
is the form found in Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Jordan. It resembles
R. ferrumequinumin in its connecting process, however, smaller in size.
It is distinguished from R. blasii and R. euryale by its
blunt connecting process of the sella (Atallah, 1977). This species was
taken from stone huts, store-houses, buildings and desert caves as large
colonies (Hoogstraal, 1962).
Localities: Wadi Rum, Wadi Fidan.
Status: Vulnerable
Rhinolophus euryale
Blasius
Mediterranean Horseshoe Bat
Diagnosis: Medium sized bat, forearm 45-50 mm. Connecting
sella is pointed in side view. Lancet triangular.
Remarks: hibernates as solitary individuals, coexists with M.
schreibersi in large caves.
Localities: Jarash, Dibbine
Status: Endangered.
Rhinolophus
ferrumequinum (Schreber)
Greater Horseshoe Bat
Diagnosis: Large; forearm 53-60 mm. Connecting process
of the sella rounded and short in side view. Wing membrane darker than
fur colour.
Remarks: The Greater horseshoe bat was collected from Zarka River
in 1886 (Nader and Kock 1983) and later recorded from Dibbin, Jarash and
Swailleh areas (Harrison 1959, Qumsiyeh 1980). Dibbine National Park contains
many abandoned underground tunnels, where humidity and darkness form a
suitable habitat for roosting bats. This species is becoming rare in the
Mediterranean and is observed from South Tunisia to Sinai and many Mediterranean
islands .
Localities: Dibbine, Zarka River, Jarash, Swailleh, Zubiya.
Status: Vulnerable.
Rhinolophus
hipposideros (Bechstein)
Lesser Horseshoe Bat
Diagnosis: Smallest Rhinolophus. The forearm
never exceeds 39 mm. Connecting process of sella is low and blunt observed
from side view.
Remarks: Usually one or two idividuals are found together, usually
inhabit deserted houses and under ground tunnels. It hibernate during November
(Qumsiyeh, 1980).
Localities: Dibbine, Zubya.
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Hipposideridae
This family includes small insectivores bats. It differs from
family Rhinolophidae by the erected transverse leaf that corresponds to
a lancet.
Asellia tridens (E.
Geoffroy)
Trident Leaf-nosed Bat
Diagnosis: Small in size, with the nose leaf with
three vertical projections.
Remarks: Colonial species that inhabits dark ruins and caves. It
migrates great distances.
Localities: Ghore As Safi.
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Vespertilionidae
These are the night bats, characterized by the absence of
any leaf-like structrrure at the nostrils. Ears are not connected together.
Eptesicus bottae
(Peters)
Botta's Serotine Bat
Diagnosis: Medium-sized bat, the tip of the tail
projects very slightly from the membrane. Underside is white .
Remarks: This a rare species reported from Jordan only at Wadi Rum..
Localities: Wadi Rum.
Status: Vulnerable.
Miniopterus schreibersi
(Kuhl)
Schreiber's Bat
Diagnosis: Small bat. Ears short with a cylindrical
tragus. Second and third metacarpals are almost equal. Third finger have
an elongated second phalanx..
Remarks: This species has a wide range of distrbution. It is known
to share the same habitat with R. euryale and Rh. ferrumequinum.
Localities: Jarash.
Status: Vulnerable.
Myotis emarginatus
(E. Geoffroy St. Hilaire)
Notch-eared Bat
Diagnosis: Reddish-brown. Ear with conspicuous lateral
notch. Lack a fringe of hair on the interfemoral membrane. Hair orange
brown dorsally.
Remarks: This species is distributed throughout Europe and North
Africa (Atallah, 1977). It was reported from Dibbine National Forest (Qumsiyeh
et al., 1986).
Localities: Dibbine.
Status: Vulnerable.
Myotis capaccinii
Bonaparte
Long-Fingered Bat
Diagnosis: Small. Front part of leg hairy. Feet large,
about 3/4 of the tibia.
Remarks: This species was reported from Tabqat Fahl (Qumsiyeh et
al., 1986). They also indicated that coloration of the Jordanian form
is similar to M. c. bureschi collected from Lebanon and Palestine
by Harrison (1964).
Localities: Tabqat Fahl.
Status: Vulnerable.
Myotis nattereri hoveli
Harrison Natterer's Bat
Diagnosis: Small; tragus long. Tail membrane hairy
along the hind margin. Gray to grayish brown.
Remarks: Collected from Dibbine (Qumsiyeh, 1980). Probably this
species shares the same habitat during roosting with R. ferrumequinum.
Localities: Dibbine.
Status: Vulnerable.
Otonycteris hemprichi
Peters
Hemprich's Long-eared Bat
Diagnosis: Large-sized bat, with relatively large
ears, but not joined. Forearm over 65 m. Two pairs of pectoral nipples
present.
Remarks: O. hempricihii was reported from arid habitats
in North Africa Arabia. Atallah (1966 and 1967) collected specimens from
a deserted hut near Azraq, Jordan. Births are usually by June. Four different
subspecies have been described of which O. hemprichi Jin
Cheesman and Hinton, is the most common form in southwestern Asia.
Localities: Wadi Rum, Wadi Fidan and Disah.
Status: Vulnerable.
Pipistrellus ariel
Thomas
Egyptian Desert Pipistrelle
Diagnosis: Ears are tall and narrow. Similar to P.
bodenheimeri.
Remarks: Very little is known about this bat. Recorded from the
southern end of the Dead Sea.
Localities:
Status: Rare
Pipistrellus
bodenheimeri Harrison
Bodenheimer's Pipistrelle
Diagnosis: Small bat. Forearm 26-31 mm. Ears well
developed with targus and antitargus.
Remarks: This was originally described 40 km N of Eilat, Wadi
Araba. Qumsiyeh et al (1992) reported this species from Wadi Araba.
P. bodenheimeri is the smallest form of the genus Pipistrellus
occurring in the Middle East (Atallah, 1977).It appears that this species
is restricted to Arabia, Palestine and Jordan. This is a desert oasis inhabitant
as its localities suggest. The biology of Bodenheimer's pipstrelle was
studied by Yom-Tov et al. (1992).
Localities: Wadi Rum and Ghore As Safi.
Status: Vulnerable.
Pipistrellus kuhli
(Kuhl)
Kuhl's Pipistrelle
Diagnosis: Wing membrane with a white posterior margin.
Small in size, forearm 30-37 mm in length.
Remarks: Widly distributed through North Africa and Arabia.
Localities: Azraq and Aqraba.
Status: Common
Plecotus austriacus
(Fischer)
Grey Long-eared Bat
Diagnosis: Ears very large and joined across the
head. Tail is relatively long.
Remarks: Known to have a wide range of distribution. Found in
many localities near the Dead Sea basin.
Localities: Wadi Araba.
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Molossidae
The tail projects freely beyond the interfemoral membrane.
The targus of the ear is small and rudementary, while the anti-tragus is
very large.
Tadarida teniotis
(Rafinesque)
European Free-tailed Bat
Diagnosis: Face wrinkled. Tail projects beyond the
interfemoral membrane. Forearm long 54-64 mm.
Remarks: Live in cracks and fissure along rocks, cliffs or caves.
They live in extremely dry habitats.
Localities: Azraq, Jbeiha, Jarash, Ghore As-Safi, Wadi Rum
Status: Vulnerable.
Order Carnivora
The Carnivora of Jordan consists of five families (Canidae,
Felidae, Hyaenidae, Herpestidae and Mustelidae), with a total of 18 surviving
species. In earlier papers, Amr & Disi (1988), Kock et al. (1993),
Qumsiyeh et al., (1993); and Amr et al. (1996), reported
on the wild carnivores in Jordan.
The original richness of Jordan's carnivores fauna is apparent
from engraved rock drawings and mosaics found in ancient castles and churches
(Almagro 1975; Von Lowenstern et al. 1977; Ponticelli 1979; Piccirillo
1982; Firenze 1983; Hatough-Bouran and Disi 1991). Also, may were indicated
in the writings of early travelers in the Levant (Hassilqest 1757; Tristram
1884).
Family Canidae
(Jackals, Foxes and Wolves)
Canis aureus Linneaus,
1758
Asiatic Jackal.
Diagnosis: Light brown in colour, short tail.
Remakrs: The jackal was abundant in Jordan and Palestine around
the turn of the century (Tristram, 1885, Aharoni, 1930; Bodenheimer, 1958).
Jackal populations started to decline 40-50 years ago. The reason for their
decline is not very clear but habitat destruction and competition with
the red fox are possible reasons (Lewis et al., 1968). The reports
of locals and some earlier workers of wolves probably refers to jackals.
Some locals cannot distinguish the two species and they use "Deeb" for
both. It was collected from Wadi Rum and Azraq (Amr and Disi, 1988) where
animals were seen earlier Mountford, 1965; Nelson, 1973).
Localities: Wadi Rum
Status: Endangered.
Canis lupus Linneaus,
1758
Wolf
Diagnosis: Pale yellowish in colour, tail short.
Remakrs: The wolf was reported from several localities around the
country. It seems that this species is more common than C. aureus
in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding countries. In the late 19th century,
the wolf was still found in many parts of Jordan as indicated by early
travelers. Tristram (1885) stated that the wolf is "still common ...[and]
is found in every part of the country." Hart (1885) reported on verbal
records from Wadi Lebweh.
Nelson (1973) reported several seen and or shot near Azraq. Specimens
at the JUMNH were obtained from Wadi Rum in 1979, Wadi Finan in 1981, and
Al-Reishah in 1986 (Amr and Disi, 1988). According to Clarke (1977) the
wolf is found in many localities in Jordan. Verbal recent (1985-1987) records
are from Ma'an and Abu Anseer (Amr and Disi, 1988). Sight records from
northern Saudi Arabia in Wadi Sirhan near the border with Jordan were reported
by Nader and Buttiker (1980).
Localities: Anaba, Azraq, Ma’an, Ajlun.
Status: Endangered.
Vulpus cana Blanford,
1877
Blanford's Fox
Diagnosis: Ears large and hairy without black tips.
The tail terminates with a black tip.
Remakrs: Little is known on this handsome fox. Only recently it
was recorded from Dana area, near Tafilah (Amr et al., 1996)..
Localities: Dana, Al-Mujib.
Status: Vulnerable.
Vulpes rueppelli
Schinz, 1825
Rueppell Fox
Diagnosis: The Rueppell fox has a long bushy tail,
terminating with a white tip. Pale-brown to red-yellow. Back of the ear
pale-brown. It is smaller than V. vulpes. It is known in Saudi Arabia
and commonly distributed in Egypt. A specimen at the JUMNH is from Mushash
Hudruj (Amr and Disi, 1988). specimens were also obtained from H5 in eastern
Jordan (collected by George Sa’ad) and 2 km SE Aqaba.
Remakrs: It is known in Saudi Arabia and commonly distributed in
Egypt
Localities: Eastern desert, Al-Hazeem, 2 km SE Aqaba,
H5.
Status : Endangered.
Vulpes vulpes Linneaus,
1758
Red Fox
Diagnosis: Snout pointed with prominent large bluntly
pointed ears. The tips of each ear is brown, black or grayish black in
colour. The anterior edge of the ear is covered by white hair that extends
backwards. A black spot is usually located on each side of the muzzle.
The red fox coloration varies from brown, light brown to red-yellow.
Remarks: This is a rather common species in Jordan. It was collected
from the Eastern Desert as well as from most of the country. This is a
very adaptable carnivore that inhabit all types of habitats. It was observed
in many areas of Jordan especially in the northern parts of the country.
Searight (1987) observed this species at Jawa. Specimens available at the
JUMNH are from Madaba, Zarqa, Shoubek, Karak, Azraq, Irbid, and Al-Inab
(Amr and Disi, 1988).
The dens may be found along crevices, boulders or patches of scrubs.
The red fox is known to feed on small rodents, small birds and reptiles
as well as figs, grapes and other fruits.
Localities: Madaba, Zarqa, Al-Shouback, Karak, Azraq, Irbid,
Al-Inab, Aqraba, Wadi Araba, Jordan Valley and Zarka.
Status: Common.
Family Felidae
(Wild Cats, Lynx, Leopards and Cheetahs)
Acinonyx jubatus (Schreber)
Cheetah
Diagnosis: Large in size with spots scattered all
over the lateral and dorsal aspects.
Remarks: The cheetah was reported from several localities during
1866-1935. This animal must have been common in the Middle Ages because
it is mentioned frequently in the writings of the Arabian travelers and
by European explorers. By the time of Tristram, it was very scarce and
only located in wooded hills of the Galilee and near Tabor in Palestine
and in the Ajlun mountains in Jordan (Tristram, 1876; and 1885). The cheetah
probably became extinct in Palestine in the last half of the 19th century
with remnant populations in Jordan left around Moab until 1900-1912, where
Shcmitz a specimen and discussed its presence. Aharoni (1930) mentions
that the Bedouins reported seeing animals in the southern region of the
country early in this century. The cheetah is probably extinct in Palestine
and Jordan. However, A record from Northern Saudi Arabia in 1950 (Morrison-Scott,
1951) suggests that there may be a remnant population surviving in the
Northern Arabian deserts.
Localities: Jaba Tubiq, Moab, Zarqa Main and Salt Mountains.
Status : rare or extinct.
Cacaracal cacaracal Schreber,
1776
Lynx
Diagnosis: Ear tufts very long. This is the
only wild cat with long ear tufts in Jordan.
Remakrs: The lynx is one of the most beautiful and rarely encountered
wild cats. This is the second report of the lynx to Jordan. One of the
specimen which was collected from Al-Hazeem area, was housed at Shaumari
Wildlife Reserve, and then released during 1985. One adult specimen was
caught around Amman area during 1965 and sent to London Zoo. Thalen (1975)
reviewed the occurrence of the lynx in Iraq, and described its habitat.
Localities: Al- Hazeem, Azraq, Hasida, Dana Wildlife Reserve.
Status: Endangered.
Felis chaus
Jungle Cat
Diagnosis: Ears are large with a black hair tuft
that do not exceed 15 mm. Tail with three balck rings.
Remakrs: The occurance of species in Jordan was debatable untill
recently. Kock et al (1993) reported on a specimen collected from Jorddan
Valley near the Jordan River.
Localities: Jordan Valley near the Jordan River.
Status: Endangered.
Felis margarita
Sand Cat
Diagnosis: Soles of feet with short hair.
Remakrs: The only record from Jordan is base on a skull recovered
from Wadi Rum (Hemmer, 1978). Its present in Wadi Araba is speculative
and requires further studies.
Localities: Wadi Rum, Qasr Burqu.
Status: Endangered.
Felis silvestris
Pocock 1944
Wild Cat
Diagnosis: Ears short, rusty brown on back; elbow
without black bars
Remakrs: One specimen was trapped and subsequently released at Shaumari
Wildlife Reserve during 1986. The wild cat has been reported from Ghor
Seisaban, Moab (Pocock 1944) and from Azraq Shishan (Atallah 1966).
Localities: Azraq, Dana Wildlife Reserve , Moab area.
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Herpestidae
Herpestes ichneumon
Linnaeus 1758
Egyptian Mongoose.
Diagnosis: Body elongated, covered by blackish-brown
hair. Tail long with black terminal brush. Ears short.
Remarks: It was collected from the Aqraba area and seen around Moqaren
Dam Station and North Shounah (Amr et al. 1987). The mongoose lives in
close proximity to chicken farms and cultivated areas in the Jordan Valley
and northern Jordan.
Localities: Jordan Valley, Ain Ghazal.
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Hyaenidae
Hyaena hyaena Linneaus,
1758
Striped Hyena
Diagnosis: Body covered by black stripes, Fore longer
than hind limbs. This is the only hyena in the Jordan.
Remakrs: This is one of the most common carnivores in Jordan. It
was reported from Azraq and Shaumari. Hyenas are the most frightful animals
to the natives; poisoned carcasses and traps are in common use in order
to eradicate and reduce its population around villages and desert dwellers.
Localities: Azraq, Shaumari, Qatrana, Wadi Fidan, Wadi Dhlail,
Ishtafina,
Status: Vulnerable.
Family Mustilidae
Lutra lutra
The Common Otter
Diagnosis: Body slender Limbs short with extensive
webs in between digits.
Remarks: Little is known on the abundance and biology of this species
in our area. Further studies should be undertaken in order to implement
protection strategies.
Localities: Yarmouk and Jordan Rivers.
Status: Vulnerable.
Martes foina syriaca
(Nehring 1902)
Stone Marten.
Diagnosis: Ears short. Brown except whitish throat.
Remarks: The stone marten is rare animal. It was recorded from Wadi
El-Sair and Wadi Kafreen. Little is known about its distribution. It is
mostly associated with fertile and wooded parts of the Mediterranean. Nehring
(1902) described the subspecies M. f. syriaca from Wadi Syr (Wadi
Al-Sair). The Stone Marten is distributed in Europe, Asia Minor, Iran and
extends into northern India to China and Mongolia (Harrison & Bates
1991). Jordan and Palestine represent its most southern distribution limit.
The subspecies occurring in our area, Martes foina syriaca, is smaller
than the subspecies Martes foina foina known from Europe. Aharoni
(1930) stated that following the Second World War, M. f. syriaca
was quite common in Palestine and Bodenheimer (1958) reported that in 1929
fresh skins of the stone Marten were sold in the streets of Jerusalem,
however, Bodenheimer (1958) stated that it was rare in the 1950’s. It seems
that in Jordan the animal’s population is declining and restricted to the
rocky mountains to the north. This is based on the lack of specimens or
field observations from the Mediterranean mountains or plains near Wadi
as Sir and its vicinity, from where Nehring (1902) described this subspecies.
Villagers consider the Stone Marten as a destructive animal that attacks
chicken coops and is under continuous attack. Most of the collected specimens
of M. f. syriaca at JNHM were found either shoot or poisoned.
Two specimens from Jarash area were found road-killed. This necessitates
the urgent need to protect this animal through the public awareness and
the implementation of protective measures by Royal Society for Conservation
of Nature. Perhaps the scattered pine and oak frosts in Jarash and Ajlun
represent the last refuge for this handsome animals (Al-Shafee et al.,
1997).
Localities: Jarash-Amman road, Thaghrat Asfour, Wadi Aqraba,
Deir Abu Said-Beit Yafa road, Al-Mazar, Ajlun, Kufr Kefia, Wadi as Sir
and Johfiya.
Status: Rare and Vulnerable.
Meles meles Linnaeus 1758
Badger
Diagnosis: Face white with black surrounding eyes
and extending to ears. Tail short. Ventral surface black
Remarks: This species was reported from Swailleh area (Clarke, 1977)
and from Aqraba (Amr et al., 1987). Bodenheimer (1935) indicated
its presence in the upper Jordan Valley. Jordan represents the southern
limit of the badger.
Localities: Hartha, Irbid, Marrow Agricultural Station.
Status: Vulnerable.
Mellivora capensis
(Schreber 1776)
Honey Badger
Diagnosis: White hair across dorsal surface. Fore
limbs equipped with strong digging claws.
Remarks: It was reported from Saudi Arabia and Palestine (Harrison
1968, Gasperetti et al. 1985). The honey badger feeds on small mammals,
reptiles, birds and arthropods (Gasperetti et al. 1985).
Localities: Aqraba.
Status: Endangered.
Vormela peregusna syriaca
Pocock
Marbled Polecat
Diagnosis: Back a mixture of dark brown, brown and
yellow. Tail thick and bushy terminating with dark brown brush. Ears short
Remarks: Harrison (1968) noted that a specimen was collected from
Salt, while Kock (1983) identified records of this species from Wadi Fauwar
(Wadi Jarra), southeast the Dead Sea. Many villagers in the North especially
around the Yarmouk River basin have indicated the presence of this species.
Localities: Wadi El-Sair, Um Al-Hiran,.
Status: Rare and Vulnerable.
Order Hydracoidea
Procavia capensis syriaca
(Schreber 1784)
Rock Hyrax.
Diagnosis: Brownish-yellow fur. Ears short. Tail
absent. Hind foot with three toes, fore foot with four toes
Remarks: One specimens was obtained from Ghore Es-village, located
at the southern end of the Dead Sea. This species was heard of near Wadi
Rum (Mountfort, 1965) and was reported from the Moab mountains by Hahn
(1934). Gasperetti (1978) reported the hyrax from Saudi Arabia and gave
an account of its distribution and biology.
Localities:Ghor Es-Safi, Wadi Rum, El-Hemma (Birkit El-Arayes).
Status: Vulnerable.
Order Artiodactyla
Family Suidae
Sus scrofa
Linnaeus
Wild Boar
Diagnosis: Large. Tail short.
Remarks: This is the only wild boar in Jordan. It is rather common
species distributed through out the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers basins. The
wild bore is a pest in the citrus and vegetable farms of the Jordan Valley.
It has been seen on many occasions around North Shounah and along the Yarmouk
River. During a survey conducted in 1982, 1193 wild boars attacked citrus
farms along the Jordan Valley (Rahamat 1982). According to Meinertzhagen
(1924) and Clarke (1977), S. scrofa was introduced and used to be
common at Azraq, but disappeared recently.
This adaptable animal managed to survive in many areas despite extensive
hunting and is found in most areas with a permanent source of fresh water.
According to Tristram (1866, 1884), the wild boar was abundant in every
part of the country even in desert habitats but "swarms in all the thickets
by [the River] Jordan and the Dead Sea.".
Bodenheimer (1958) claimed that they were absent at his time in the
coastal regions and only inhabited selected areas of the upper Galilee
and the Wadi Araba. The wild boar was seen frequently around North Shona,
Mashareh, and the Yarmouk River (Amr and Disi 1988).
Large populations of wild boar were common in the Palestine and Jordan
until the early parts of this century when extensive mechanized hunting
ensued. There are many localities that used to derive their local (Arabic)
names from the wild boar. Many of these names were later changed by settlers.
In the Jordan valley and as far south as Ghor Es Safi, the species is still
common .
In Jordan, the wild boar is hunted and no restrictions have been applied
by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). Although the
pig was hunted extensively early in the century, it is not allowed as a
food item by Islam. The Khanzir is considered a “dirty” animal by
many locals who despise them and kill many when possible.
The wild boar was seen in Zubya and Baoon (Ajlune area), and along
the Jordan River. Bone remains were excavated from several archaeological
sites that dated back to the upper Paleolithic period (Boessneck and Von
den Driesch 1978; Garrard et al. 1988).
Localities: Jordan Valley, Yarmouk River, Dair Abu-Said, Zubya
and Baoon (Ajlune area) and North Shounah.
Status: Common.
Family Bovidae
Capra ibex nubiana F. Cuvier
Wild Goat
Diagnosis: Large; long hooked horns.
Remarks: Mummified specimens were seen near Karak and Wadi Araba.
Tristram (1866, 1876, 1884) reported this species as common from the Moab
(east of the Dead Sea) and the hills near the Dead Sea. He also acquired
a few specimens from these localities and from Ain Gedi (Engedi). Tristram
(1866) specified other localities where he saw ibex: near Mar Saba, Ain
Teraba, Wadi Sudeir, and Jebel Hatrura (near Masada). Hart (1885) reported
seeing ibexes on Mount Hor while Palmer (1871) saw them at Wadi Hanjurat
al Gattar (35 miles SW Dead Sea). Carruthers (1909) noted these animals
at Zarqa Ma'in, and Hart (1891) reported seeing them at Wadi Araba. Allen
(1915) quoted Dr Phillips who supplied him with the specimens for his report
on the mammals of Sinai and Palestine as follows: "The Sinai Ibex persists
over all the rugged parts of the Sinai peninsula, near Aqaba and up at
least as far as the northeast end of the Dead Sea.
The extensive hunting of this species has greatly reduced its population
and it is now on the list of endangered and protected species issued by
the Royal Society of Conservation of Nature. The ibex is in dire need of
protection. We are not able to state with certainty how many populations
have been decimated. The few records of the past and recent records indicate
extensive losses in the mountainous regions of the Palestine and Jordan.
Although undoubtedly greatly reduced in numbers since Tristram's time (mid
1800's), it manages to persist.
Specimens are available at the Jordan University Natural History Museum
(JUMNH) collected from near Mazar in 1981, Ghor El-Mazraa'h in 1983, and
a live specimen from Tafila was kept at Shawmari Wildlife Reserve (Amr
and Disi 1988). These authors also report seeing two mummified specimens
from Wadi Araba and Karak. A specimen from the latter locality (collected
in the late 1980's) is at the JNHM. Other sightings include Wadi ben Hammad
(Karak) and Wadi Rum in 1992. Other recent records include Dana, Qadeseyah.
In 1989, 20 animals were donated from San Diego Zoo and placed at Al-Mujib
Natural Reserve. This reserve occupies 212 km2 over-looking the Dead Sea.
Two local animals collected from Karak were mated with the herd. Now, the
herd consists of 68 heads kept in an enclosure of 20,000 m2. The RSCN is
in the process of releasing the ibex in some selected habitats (Qumsiyeh
et al., 1996).
Localities: Mazar area, Ghor El-Mazraa'h and Tafila.
Status: rare and endangered.
Gazella dorcasa Linnaeus
Dorcas Gazelle
Diagnosis: Small gazelle, shorter than the other
gazelles. Horns are long.
Remarks: Few specimens of this species were seen at Wadi Araba area.
A male and female were found dead near Wadi Finan during 1980-1981. The
dorcas gazelle is included in the list of protected species in Jordan.
Localities: Wadi Finan.
Status: rare and endangered.
Gazella gazella Pallas
1766
Mountain Gazelle
Remarks: A specimen was killed in Salt mountains in summer 1986.
Tristram (1866) observed it in the forests of Gilead.
Localities: Salt mountains.
Status: rare and endangered.
Gazella subguttrosa
(Guldenstaedt 1780)
Goitred Gazelle
Diagnosis: Large gazelle with a rather sshort tail.
Mails with a swelling around the throat.
Remarks: A skull was collected from H-5 in 1950. Dr. Muller collected
a skull from Qa'a Dhuweila during September 1983. Clarke (1977) noted that
a specimen was taken from Qatrana.
Localities: Qa'a Dhuweila and Qatrana.
Status: Endangered.
Oryx leucoryx (Pallas)
Arabian Oryx
Diagnosis: body covered with white hair. Face with
black hair. Horns long.
Remarks: Dollman and Burlace (1935) reported the oryx from southern
Jordan in the 1930's. The Schmitz collection contains specimens from Jordan
(Anon. 1946).
In the 19th century, this beautiful antelope was still common in north
Arabia and in Belka and Hauran in Jordan (Tristram 1866, 1876) but rare
or absent in Palestine. Talbot (1960) stated that it was already becoming
rare in Sinai and the southern deserts of Palestine in 1800. According
to Mountford (1965), a hunter shot three animals at Qatrana in the 1920's.
In South Jordan, the species may have persisted into the 1930's as a British
Army Unit kept one there (Dollman and Burlace, 1935). The oryx was probably
exterminated in Jordan by the second World War (Talbot, 1960). Persisting
populations early in this century were reported near Jebel el Tubayq (Carruthers,
1935) and in Al Busayta and Wadi Sirhan (Raswan, 1935) in northern Saudi
Arabia near the borders with Jordan.
Until very recently the oryx used to inhabit most of the Arabian and
Syrian deserts. Its habitat included hamada deserts as well as wadis, sandy
deserts, and plateaux. Wild oryx ate succulent plants such as Aristidia
and Cynomonium and buds of tamarisk and other shrubs (Carruthers,
1935). Many other reported juicy desert plants are eaten including the
desemelon, Citrullus colocynthis (Stewart 1963). The biology of
the oryx in the wild was studied by Stewart (1963), and in reintroduced
populations by Lloyd (1965) and Hatough and El-Eisawi (1988).
Sometime between the first and second World Wars, the populations of
the oryx were decimated in the Arabian and Syrian deserts. This was accomplished
by massive mechanized shooting especially near the newly discovered oil
fields.
In the early 1960s, several international organizations decided to
cooperate in saving the oryx. These organizations included the World Conservation
Union (IUCN), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the Shikar-Safari
Club. A breeding population was established at the Phoenix zoo in Arizona,
USA with animals collected from a trip to Oman in 1962 and donated animals
from holdings in Kuwait, Saudi, Arabia, and the London Zoo. This “World
Herd” began to multiply and formed the nucleus to be used to “repopulate
the desert.” Oryx have been successfully reintroduced to Jordan in 1978
where a herd of about 70 now lives in the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve (Anon.
1978; Fitter 1984; Lamb 1984; Nelson 1985; Hatough and El-Eisawi, 1988).
In 1995, the herd numbered about 176 heads and was held within a 20 km2
enclosure. The present oryx herd at Shaumari Wildlife Reserve originated
from stock received from San Diego Wild Animal Park during 1978-1979 and
Qatar (Strassburger, 1979; Smith, 1980; Abu Jafar, 1983). In 1984 a-herd
of the Oryx was released in the Jordanian Desert (Fitter, 1985; Nelson,
1985).
Localities: Southern Jordan. Now at Shuamari Wildlife Reserve.
Status : Introduced after extension.
Order Lagomorpha
This family includes hares and rabbits. For some time, this order
was considered as part of the large order Rodentia. However, the presence
of two pairs of upper incisors is a distinctive feature. The front incisors
are functional while those on the back are small. In our region only one
family, Leporidae, is presented. Hares are very common all throughout the
world, especially species of the genus Lepus. They are exclusively
herbivorous and found in varied habitats, including deserts, mountains
as well as sandy deserts.
Family Leporidae
Lepus capensis arabicus Ehrenberg
Arabian Hare
Diagnosis: Ears long. Body gray to gray-brown; tail
dark dorsally, white ventrally.
Remarks: Most of the previous collections of this species were
made from the Jordanian Desert (including Azraq and El-Jafr) (Atallah,
1967a, 1967b, Searight, 1987). This a common desert species feeds on shrubs
and other vegetation. We encountered many road kills along Amman-Aqaba
highway and Mafraq area.
Another subspecies, L. c. syriacus Ehrenberg 1833, occurs in
the mountains north of Jordan. This subspecies is larger than the Arabian
hare and with a lighter colour (Atallah, 1977).
Localities: Wadi Fidan, Ghore Es-Safi, Wadi Fidan, Ma'an, Azraq
and Qaser Borqu.
Status: Common
Order Rodentia
One of the largest mammalian orders. It includes species with varied
habitats (Arboreal and terrestrial). Special interest is devoted for this
order since many species are of economic and health importance.
Family Sciuridae
This family is represented by one species in the Middle East. Squirrels
are characterized by their flat and bushy tails. Hind feet equipped with
five digits.
Sciurus anomalus syriacus
Ehrenberg
Persian Squirrel
Diagnosis: Tail thick, bushy; back brownish gray;
ventral brownish yellow.
Remarks: This is the only squirrel in Jordan. It was first reported
from Dibbine National Park (Atallah, 1977). The Persian squirrel is very
uncommon in the mountains of Ajlun, Jarash and Eshtafina, where pine and
oak trees are abundant. Jordan represents the most southern distribution
for the Persian squirrel.
Tristram (1866) mistakenly reported Citellus citellus (= Spermophilus
citellus) from Salt and Madaba mountains. This species is known in
the Anatolian upland in Turkey, but not in Syria or Jordan (Atallah, 1977).
Localities: Kufranja, Dibbine, Eshtafina.
Status: Endangered
Family Hystricidae
This family includes the old world porcupines. The head and neck
are covered with crest of long bristles. The dorsal side is covered with
spines of various sizes. Porcupines are nocturnal animals that feed entirely
on roots and other cultivated crops.
Indian Crested Porcupine
Diagnosis: Body covered by long spines. Large form.
Remarks: Although no actual specimens were collected from Wadi Araba,
quills were seen near Wadi Fidan. Many locals indicated its presence in
several localities in Wadi Araba. Perhaps its decline in Wadi Araba is
due to the fact. Bedouins relish the porcupine (Nees) as delicacy and other
medicinal purposes. This perhaps is possible reason for the decline of
H. indica population throughout Jordan. It was reported from Irbid,
Aqraba. spines King Hussain Bridge. Details about trapping this species
were discussed by Amr et al. (1987). Many Bedouin in Wadi Araba
mentioned the presence of the porcupine around Wadi Fidan area, Wadi Fidan
(Qiulls only)
Localities: Aqraba, Wadi Al-Mujib, Dana, Wadi Araba, Jordan
Valley
Status: Common.
Family Dipodidae
(Jerboas)
Members of this family are characterized by their relatively
long hind limbs and short forearms. Two genera are recognized in Jordan,
Allactaga and Jaculus. Both contains one species that are
found in dry arid parts of the country.
Allactaga euphratica
Thomas
Five-toad Jerboa
Diagnosis: Dorsal brown, ventral white. Tail
composed of three distinct bands; white anteriorely, brown medialy and
terminating with a white tip.
Remarks: It was collected from Azraq, Ma'an, Amman, Mafraq, Qasr
Amra and Jawa. The five-toad jerboa is a true desert species and restricted
to the arid habitats of Jordan. The five toed jerboa keeps the burrow entrance
plugged during day time. They become active after sunset and look fore
food around the burrow site.
Localities: Azraq, Ma'an, Amman, Mafraq, Qasr Amra, Wadi Araba
and Jawa.
Status: Common
Jaculus jaculus vocator
Thomas
Three-toed Jerboa
Diagnosis: Dorsal reddish-brown. Hind foot with three
toes. Tail long terminating with white brush.
Remarks: The ecology of the three-toed jerboa is well studied (Lewis
et al, 1965). It is nocturnal species and remains active for the
first 3 to 4 hours after dark. Burrows are situated in leveled, arid areas
and may reach up to 120 cm deep. The entrance is plugged by sand at day
time. Hatough-Bouran (1990) reported on the burrowing habits of this species
in the Shaumari Reserve near Azraq.
Localities: El-Jafr, Azraq area, Qasr Amra, Jawa area , Reishah
and Wadi Fidan.
Status: Common
Family Gliridae
This family includes one species that occurs in Jordan. Members of
this family are known to have an arboreal life style.
Eliomys melanurus
Wagner
Southwest Asian Garden Dormouse
Diagnosis: Eyes surrounded by black hair. Tail terminates
with black covering almost half the tail length. Dorsal brown and ventral
white
Remarls: This species is considered common in the Jordan Valley,
Um Rasas, Zizya and Azraq areas (Tristram 1866, 1884; Allen, 1915, Atallah,
1966). The garden dormouse lives with other desert rodents, including G.
dasyurus and Acomys sp. (Atallah, 1978).
Localities: Azraq Druz, Daba'ah, Dana resrve
Status: Common.
Family Spalacidae
This family includes the mole rats. They live entirly underground
and their eyes are vistigial without any external trace.
Palestine Mole Rat
Diagnosis: Eyes, ears and tail absent. Black to dark
brown. Incisors very conspicuous.
Remarks: The distribution of the mole rat is apparently associated
with terra rosa soil, the abundant soil type covering the Mediterranean
province of Jordan. The presence of the mole rat is readily confirmed by
the existence of the variously sized mounds that it produces. This species
has been reported from Shouback, Aqraba and other parts of the country
(Ellerman, 1948, Mountfort, 1965, Amr et al., 1987).
Localitiies: Between Jarash and Suf, Ramtha. .Jubayha, Busayra,
Ibbin.
Status: Common.
Family Muridae
(Rats and Mice)
This family includes generalized species that assume different
life styles. It includes rats, mice and other forest inhabitants.
Apodemus mystacinus
(Danford and Alston)
Broad-toothed Field Mouse
Diagnosis: Dark brownish yellow. Ears long
Remarks: This is the second record of this species in Jordan. It
was reported first from Dibbine National Park (Atallah, 1977). The present
distribution of this species in Jordan is incompletely known, but it is
clear that it has a strictly Mediterranean distribution, because it is
a common species in Lebanon and southern Balkans.
Localities: Dibbine, Zubiya and Dana.
Status: Common.
Black Rat
Diagnosis: Tail longer than head and body length.
Ears large and rounded.
Remarks: This is common species found in cities, villages and farming
areas. Its poulation is increasing rapiddly in associateion with agricultural
expansion.
Localities: Found in all cities, villages and agricutural areas.
Status: Common.
Rattus norvegicus
(Berkenhout)
Norway Rat
Diagnosis: Similar to R. rattus, but the tail
is shorter than head and body length.
Remarks: It is not as common as R. rattus and did not establish
itself very well in our area.
Localities: Jarash, Irbid and Amman.
Status: Common.
House Mouse
Diagnosis: Tail long and covered with hairs, but
annulated. Ears large and rounded at the edges.
Remarks: Very successful species that is found in all types of habitats,
including deserts that are far from human settlements.
Localities: Common all over the country especially where ever
there are human settlements..
Distribution: Map (37)
Status: Common.
Acomys cahirinus
dimidiatus (Cretzschmar)
Sinai Spiny Mouse
Diagnosis: Dorsum gray, ventral white to gay. Fur
spiny. Ears with no hair. Soles of hind feet yellow brown in color.
Remarks: This species is associated with rocky terrines, in addition
to steppe-desert habitat. It was trapped near ancient ruins at Wadi Tlah.
Strictly nocturnal in contrast to the golden spiny mouse, Acomys russatus.
The Sinai spiny mouse covers a diversified habitats, including both the
Mediterranean and arid biotopes.
Localities: Several reports indicated the presence of this species
from Aqaba, Madaba, Ghore Es Safi, Petra, Tafila, Wadi Karak and Wadi Zarka
Main.
Status: Common.
Golden Spiny Mouse
Diagnosis: Dorsal area covered by golden yellow spiny
hair; ventral side of feet, palm and tail black; tail shorter than body
length.
Remarks: Atallah (1978) stated that the golden spiny mouse lives
along with A. dimidiatus; both species prefer rocky terrain.
It was collected from Moab (Nehring 1901), Azraq area (Atallah 1978) and
Azraq and Amman areas (Qumsiyeh et al., 1986). Searight (1987) collected
A. r. lewisi from Jawa area and discussed its activity.
Localities: Azraq, King Hussain Bridge. Collected from El-Birketeen
(Jarash). Several reports indicated the presence of this species from Aqaba,
Madaba, Ghore Es Safi, Petra, Tafila, Wadi Karak and Wadi Zarka Main, Gharandal,
Ghor es-Safi, Wadi Fidan, Reishah, Rahmeh, Wadi Tlah, Aqaba.
Status: Common.
Nesokia indica bacheri
Nehring
Short-tailed Bandicoot Rat
Diagnosis: Tail without hair and markedly shorter
than head and body length. Ears small. Rats-like in appearance. Total length
ranges from 240-316 mm.
Remarks: Moisture and permanentwater bodies are essential for the
short tailed bandicoot rat. The burrows are usually located near irrigation
channels and water holes and plugged by shrubs. Both localities reported
in Wadi Araba are forming areas with plentiful of water.
The type specimen of this subspecies originated from "Ghor el Safieh"
(=Ghor el Safi).Two other forms N. i. bacheri is the largest (Harrison,
1972). It was also reported from Moab (Aharoni, 1932). Siel Fidan, Wadi
Fidan.
Localities: Ghor el Safi, Moab, Siel Fidan and Wadi Fidan.
Status: Common.
Family Cricetidae
Most members of this family have well developed cheek pouches. Tail
is usually long and densely covered with hair.
Cricetulus migratorius
(Pallas)
Grey Hamster
Diagnosis: Tail is less than one-third of body length.
Cheek pouches present.
Remarks: Apparently, Jordan represents the most southern distrbutioon
range for this species. It lives in varied habitats including modertate
and arid regions.
Localities: Wadi Zarqa, Sareeh, Mowaqer and Jawa.
Status: Common.
Gerbillus dasyurus
(Wagner)
Wagner's Gerbil
Diagnosis: Upper incisors grooved. Tail long terminating
with a pencil. Belly White, Dorsum brown gray, sole of hind foot devoid
of hair. Upper incisors grooved.
Remarks: It was found to share burrows with P. obesus
(Amr and Saliba, 1986; Atallah, 1967). It has a wide range of habitats
including basalt desert, silt dunes and cultivated areas. Hatough-Bouran
(1990) studied the burrowing habits of Wagner's gerbil in the Shaumari
Reserve near Azraq.
Wagner's Gerbil is a very common species in the Jordanian Desert. It
was also collected from the mountains.
Localities: Al-Hassa, Aqaba, Wadi El-Hasa, Ain Musa , Bir ed-
Doleh, El-Jafr, Azraq , Ghore Nimrin, S Azraq, Shaumari , Petra, , Jarash,
Moab, Ras en Naqab, Wadi Fidan, Gharandal, Reishah, Along the road from
Ghores es-Safi to Aqaba and Wadi Khanzeereh
Status: Common
Gerbillus nanus arabium
Thomas
Baluchistan Gerbil
Diagnosis: Similar to G. Dasyurus,
but the osteology of the skull is different in that the zygomatic arches
touch auditory meatus and with inflated bullae.
Remarks: Found to share burrows with M. Crassus and
M. libycus (Lewis et al, 1965). Its burrows were constructed
on salt flats (Zahavi and Wahrman, 1957).
The distribution of G. n. arabium is restricted to southern
Jordan. Other subspecies occures in North Africa and Iran. Many reports
indicated the presence of this specieces in Wadi Araba and Aqaba.
Localities: Wadi Khanzirah and Aqaba.
Status: Common
Gerbillus henleyi (De
Winton)
Pygmy Gerbil
Diagnosis: Very small gerbil with small ears.
Underparts are white.
Remaks: Distrbuted in Siani, Jordan and southern Arabia. Collected
from Al-Jafer area around cultivated fields (Atallah, 1978).
Localities: Al-Jafer, Faidat edh Dhahikya.
Gerbillus gerbillus
(Olivier)
Egytian Gerbil
Diagnosis: Medium-sized gerbil. Tail covered with
short hair.
Remaks: This is a common species in Egypt and Siani. Few specimens
were collected from Wadi Araba and Aqaba area (Allen, 1915). It prefers
sandy areas and saltflats.
Localities: Aqaba.
Gerbillus cheesmani Thomas,
1919.
Diagnosis: White patches above eye and behind ear present.
Fur colour sandy buff dorsally, without black speckling on rump, ventral
site white with a distinct line of demarcation. Soles of hindfoot hairy.
Tail very long, more than head body length. Terminal pencil scanty.
Hair bases above base of tail white. Skull with large tympanic bullae
extending beyond the supraoccipital. Dentition similar to G. gerbillus.
Remarks: The Cheesman's Gerbil inhabits extremely dry
regions, and is adapted for sandy deserts. Burrows were located in
sand drifted areas. The burrow consists of 3-4 entrances, with a
depth of 125 cm (Lewis et al., 1965). Little is known about
its biology.
Localities: Wadi Ram, Ruwayshid.
Sekeetamys calurus
(Thomas)
Bushy-tailed Jird
Diagnosis: Tail is bushy for more than half of its
length.
Remarks: This species prefers to live around mountain slops in arid
regions. It is a good climber and perhaps it lives under boulders.
Localities: Aqaba, El-Riashah, Rahma and Wadi Finan.
Status: Common.
Meriones tristrami
Thomas
Tristram's Jird
Diagnosis: Sole partialy covered with hair, tail
longer than body length, ears with pigmentation, tail brush small, claws
pale in colour.
Remarks: This is a rather common species in Jordan. It was reported
from the Shouback and Tafila area. Azraq area. Amman, Ras en Nanegeb. It
inhabit the Mediterranean and steppe areas. The distribution of this species
is important, since the Tristram jird plays as a reservoir host for Leishmania
tropica, the etiologic agent of the oriental sore.
Localitoes: Irbid. Jawa, Ghazalah and Mowaqqer.
Status: Common
Meriones libycus
Lichtenstein
Libyan Jird
Diagnosis: Ears are not pigmented, tail black with
light reddish tip, claws black.
Remarks: Atallah reported this species from Azraq, along the desert
highway and El-Jafr areas, Qaser El-Halabat and Qatrana. The Libyan jird
is common all over the Syrian Desert; sharing its habitat with other related
species.
Localities: Azraq, El-Jafr, Qaser El-Halabat and Qatrana.
Status: Common
Meriones crassus
Sundevall
Sundevall's Jird
Diagnosis: Ears not pigmented, claws white, tail
terminates with a black brush.
Remarks: According to Atallah (1977), Sundevall's jird does not
form colonies and is active during night only.
Localities: Many reports indicated the presence of this species
in Azraq, El-Jafr, Qaser Amra, Shaumari, Quweira, Mowaqqar and Shoumari
Wadi Khanzeereh, Beer Mathkour, Wadi Fidan, Al-Rishah and Es-safi Aqaba
High way.
Status: Common.
Psammomys obesus
Cretzchmar
Fat Sand Rat
Diagnosis: Large rodent, reddish to yellowish in
colour, ears short, tail thick and terminate with a black tuft.
Remarks: The ecology of this species was studied by Amr and Saliba
(1986), where they reported on its diurnal activity, feeding habits, burrow
system and association with other animals. This is another important reservoir
animal for human leishmaniasis, a disease known in Jordan and associated
with areas colonized bthis jird.
Localities: This is one of the most common rodents inhabiting
the Jordanian desert. It was reported from Aqaba, Azraq, El-Jafr, Ma'an,
Al-Hasa, Shaumari, Qaser El-Halabat, Om Rasas, Qatrana, Mowaqqar and 60
Km S Amman.
Status: Common.
Subfamily Microtinae
Microtus guentheri
(Danford and Alston)
Levant Vole
Diagnosis: Ears and tail are very short.
Remakrs: This rodent is a very important agricultural pest. The
population may increase suddenly inflecting sever damage to crops.
Localities: Ibeen, Sareeh.
Status: Common.