Note about the New Distribution Area of Atlantoxerus getulus LINNAEUS, 1758 ( Mammalia, Rodentia ) in Algeria

Abstract

A rodent of the family of the Sciuridae, the Barbary ground squirrel Atlantoxerus getulus is one of the 111 species of mammals living in Algeria, it is listed in the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern". It is the only species of squirrel to inhabit Africa north of the Sahara in arid rocky ground at the South Western of Algeria and Morocco. It is a small colonial species growing to a length of between 160 and 220 millimetres with a bushy tail of a similar length. It weighs up to 350 grams and has short wiry hair and its belly is paler grey and the tail is longitudinally barred in black and grey. It feeds on plants and a major part of its diet is the fruit and seeds of the argan tree (Argania spinosa). Initially since 1991 several authors stipulated that the species is only present in the western part of Saharan Atlas from the Moroccan border to the vicinities of Bechar ( Labiod Sidi cheikh, Bechar, Ain Sefra ). Recently the species was observed in the Targent locality near Tindouf distant of 807 km from Bechar, 1191 km from Labiod Sidi Cheikh, and 1057 km from Ain Sefra . This is the first time this species has been reported in this region, this led us to suggest that its range has extended to the South West and further studies of its ecology in this new area is recommanded.