On the genetic diversity of spiny mice (genus Acomys) and gerbils (genus Gerbillus) in the Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

Using non-destructive sampling we provide further genetic characterisations for spiny mice (Acomys dimidiatus/cahirinus) and gerbils (Gerbillus sp.) in three regions in Saudi Arabia. All individuals were sequenced for a fragment of the cytochrome b gene, and compared against available conspecifics and closely related taxa. We confirm the existence of a second Acomys dimidiatus/cahirinus lineage specific to the Arabian Peninsula as seen previously. The Arabian Gerbillus nanus is shown to group with Middle Eastern rather than African conspecifics. A second cryptic Gerbillus lineage was also sampled across multiple locations, which may be an uncharacterised G. dasyurus.

Keywords:

• Acomys
• genetic diversity
• Gerbillus
• rodents
• Saudi Arabia

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by King Saud University, Deanship of Scientific Research, College of Science Research Centre, in collaboration with the DST-NRF SARChI Chair for Mammal behavioural ecology and physiology. We would like to acknowledge HH Prince Bandar Bin Mohammed Bin Saud, President of Saudi Wildlife Authority, for permissions to trap animals in the Ray-dah Protected Area. Thanks are also due to J. Sarli, T. Wronski, George, and others for assistance with the sampling effort, as well as an anonymous reviewer and the journal editor for invaluable advice on improving this manuscript.