Observations on growth index and morphological characters of the Indian Gerbil, Tatera indica (Hardwicke) as an attempt to record intra-specific variations

Abstract

Present study observed growth index and morphological characters of male and female Indian gerbil, Tatera indica (N = 64) live trapped from crop fields in Punjab, India as an attempt to record intraspecific variations. Growth index determined on the basis of increase in body weight and length of body parts recorded at weekly intervals upto nine weeks revealed a positive correlation between the two. No significant difference was found between growth index of male and female gerbils (body weight ≤150g and >150g). Tail length was slightly shorter (in ≤150g) or more (in >150g) than head+body length in females while, it was shorter than head+body length in males. Length of hind limbs was more in males, ears were oblong with fine hair on inner margin and the soles of hind paws were granulated. The study clearly depicted some differences in morphological and morphometric characteristics of T. indica suggesting further comprehensive studies to establish intra-specific variations.