Sciurus Anomalus Research Articles

Histomorphometric Study of the Thyroid Gland of the Adult Male Squirrel (Sciurus Anomalus)

The aim of the current study is to determine the histological and histochemical characteristics of the thyroid glands in local male squirrels. So, thyroid gland tissue was freshly collected from an adult healthy local male squirrel for histological preparation and examination. All histological sections were prepared and stained with routine stains H & E, in addition to specific stains including Masson Trichrome and PAS stains. The histological results showed that thyroid glands consisted of glandular parenchyma enclosed by a capsule which mainly consisted of collagen fibers and sent septa into glandular parenchyma to form lobules that contained follicles of thyroid glands. These follicles of glandular were lined by simple cuboidal epithelium and some epithelium displayed a simple squamous epithelium, and were filled with colloid material which was positive with PAS stain. Accordingly, capsule thickness, follicle diameters, and heights of the epithelium of glandular parenchyma did not show any significant differences between the right and left lobes at (p< 0.05). Also, parafollicular cells (C-cells), are detected as single cells interspersed between the follicular cells or as a small group of (1-2) cells between the follicles. These findings showed that the main structures of the thyroid gland are similar to most species of mammalian glands.

Major and minor salivary glands in Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus): the aspect of macroanatomy, microanatomy, and histochemical properties

Major and minor salivary glands in Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus): the aspect of macroanatomy, microanatomy, and histochemical properties

Ecological implications of deep pruning: a case report on Persian squirrel nesting in a centennial olive grove on the island of Lesvos, Greece

In recent years, traditional olive groves have undergone a shift towards modern farming practices, raising concerns about their potential impact on local fauna. Despite the documented effects of various agricultural practices on wildlife, there is a notable gap in understanding the implications of pruning practices in traditional olive groves. This study presents a unique observation, the first documented adverse effect of pruning on an olive tree within a traditional grove in Lesvos, Greece, inhabited by Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus). Beyond immediate impacts, we conducted comprehensive measurements of both the pruned olive tree and the squirrel’s nest (den), along with an assessment of the entire grove. The findings highlight the need for ecologically informed olive grove management to sustain biodiversity in these historically significant environments.

Spatial Conservation Prioritization of Persian Squirrel Based on Habitat Suitability and Climate-Induced Forest Mortality Risk

The Zagros forests in Iran are currently experiencing an exacerbation of climate-induced mortality, placing the Persian squirrel, a keystone species reliant on these ecosystems, in jeopardy. Addressing this imminent threat, our research employed a spatial prioritization methodology, integrating assessments of habitat suitability and mortality risk. Utilizing a weighted ensemble approach, incorporating the strengths of diverse models and expert rules, we discerned that approximately 62% of surveyed forests are at risk, with 7% classified as high risk and 17% as very high risk. Notably, 83% of the forests exhibited varying degrees of habitat suitability, with 11% and 12% demonstrating high and very high suitability, respectively. Employing a conservation prioritization framework, we systematically categorized habitats into priority classes, with 8%, 17%, 29%, and 46% assigned to very high, high, moderate, and low conservation priority classes, respectively. Significantly, areas classified as very high priority demand immediate restoration efforts due to ongoing mortality, while other priority classes underscore the importance of protection and prevention in unaffected habitats. Acknowledging the irreversible nature of current climatic conditions in the Zagros forests, our strategic emphasis aligns with conservation triage principles, prioritizing the preservation of intact habitats yet to succumb to irreversible mortality.

An evaluation of isolation by distance and isolation by resistance on genetic structure of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) in the Zagros forests of Iran

AbstractFor the conservation of wild species, it is important to understand how landscape change and land management can affect gene flow and movement. Landscape genetic analyses provide a powerful approach to infer effects of various landscape factors on gene flow, thereby informing conservation actions. The Persian squirrel is a keystone species in the woodlands and oak forests of Western Asia, where it has experienced recent habitat loss and fragmentation. We conducted landscape genetic analyses of individuals sampled in the northern Zagros Mountains of Iran (provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Ilam), focusing on the evaluation of isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by resistance (IBR), using 16 microsatellite markers. The roles of geographical distance and landscape features including roads, rivers, developed areas, farming and agriculture, forests, lakes, plantation forests, rangelands, shrublands, and rocky areas of varying canopy cover, and swamp margins on genetic structure were quantified using individual‐based approaches and resistance surface modeling. We found a significant pattern of IBD but only weak support for an effect of forest cover on genetic structure and gene flow. It seems that geographical distance is an important factor limiting the dispersal of the Persian squirrel in this region. The results of the current study inform ongoing conservation programs for the Persian squirrel in the Zagros oak forest.

Сравнение видового состава отрядов Lagomorpha и Rodentia Самур-Девечинской низменности и Закатала-Лагычского физико-географического района Азербайджана

This article presents the results of a comparative analysis of two physiographic regions of Azerbaijan. 19 species of lagomorphs and rodents are registered in the Samur-Davachi physiographic region. 7 Western Asian species predominate in this area (36.84%): Lepus europaeus, Hystrix indica, Allactaga euphratica, Cricetulus migratorius, Meriones libycus, Microtus sosialis, Sylvaemus witherbyi. 6 (31.58%) species (Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula, Microtus arvalis, Micromys minutus, Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus (Sylvaemus) uralensis) are of European origin, 3 (15.78%) species (Arvicola amphibius,Microtus majori, Mus musculus) are of widely distributed in Palearctic, 1 (5.26%) species (Allactaga elater) is of Turanian origin, 1 (5.26%) species (Rattus norvegicus) is listed as an alien species and 1(5.26%) species (Apodemus(Sylvaemus)ponticus) is Caucasus endemic. Major species are of Western Asian and European origin, and least ones of turanian origin. South Asian species are not found. An analysis carried out in the Zaqatala-Lahyj physiographic region showed that 4 (21.05%) species (Arvicola amphibius, Microtus majori, Mus musculus, Ratus rattus) are widespread in the Palearctic region, 5 (26.31%) species (Lepus europaeus, Hystrix indica, Cricetulus migratorius, Microtus socialis, Sylvaemus witherbyi) are widespread in the Western Asian region, 5 (26.31%) species (Glis glis, Dryomys nitedula, Mus macedonicus, Apodemus (Sylvaemus) uralensis, Microtus arvalis) are of European origin and 5 (26.31%) species (Sciurus anomalus,Microtus dagestanicus,Chionomys gud, Chionomysroberti, Apodemus (Sylvaemus) ponticus) are endemics. No desert species of Turanian origin were noted. In the Zaqatala-Lahyj physical-geographic region, species of European and Western Asian origin are also predominant. A total of 25 rodent species have been registered in these regions. Of the species distributed in the Samur-Davachi and Zaqatala-Lahyj physiographic regions, only 13 (52%) species are found in both physiographic regions. It should be noted that each physiographic region has its own specific species. 6 species (Sciurus anomalus, Microtus dagestanicus, Chionomys gud, Chionomys roberti, Mus macedonicus, Rattus rattus) are found in the Zaqatala-Lahyj physiographic region only, 6 species (Allactaga euphratica, Allactaga elater, Meriones libycus, Apodemus agrarius, Rattus norvegicus, Micromys minutus) are found in the Samur-Davachi physiographic region only.

Distribution of Rodent Species (Mammalia: Rodentia) in Zonguldak Province, Turkey

To know rodent species in an area is important in wildlife management studies, forestry applications, conservation purposes, and public health studies because of some rodent-borne diseases. To determine rodent species and their distribution in Zonguldak was aimed to supply a detailed inventory data and distribution maps for further studies in future. Samples were collected mostly by Sherman traps, and rarely conventional cage-like traps, phototraps, or visually from 33 localities that represent different habitat types, between 2009 and 2016. A total of 427 specimens from 15 species were evaluated. These species are: Sciurus anomalus, Myodes glareolus, Microtus subterraneus, M. levis, Apodemus flavicollis, A. sylvaticus, A. uralensis, A. witherbyi, A. mystacinus, Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, Mus domesticus, M. macedonicus, Glis glis and Muscardinus avellanarius. Of them S. anomalus, M. levis, A. uralensis, M. macedonicus and M. avellanarius were recorded by primary data for the first time from Zonguldak. According to the results, Sciurus anomalus, Apodemus flavicollis and Glis glis are the most common species by being recorded from 13, 12 and 9 localities, respectively. Among the 33 localities trapped, Kurtköy and Beldibi areas have highest number of rodent species by each having 7 species. Trap Night Index (TNI) was calculated to find the most caught rodent species, the overall trap success for rodents caught and the localities where the majority of rodent samples were caught. TNI was calculated as 21.43 for seven of the localities studied. Skull and pelage morphology (pectoral spot expressions, the posterior end of the palatal bone, pterygoid process, fronto-parietal suture and upper molar crown patterns) were used to identify Apodemus species. Morphological evaluations of Apodemus specimens verified the occurrence of A. sylvaticus in Asiatic Turkey.

An (Un)Expected Threat for a Regionally Near-Threatened Species: A Predation Case of a Persian Squirrel on an Insular Ecosystem

One of the most successful predators on island ecosystems is the domestic cat, which is considered responsible for the decline of numerous species' populations. This can be estimated by the analysis of cats' dietary habits, yet prey identification is not always possible, and thus, in cases where precise prey identification is required, one of the most accurate methods derives from observing the hunting process. However, the cryptic nature of the feral cats and the constant vigilance of the species that are preyed upon make the observation process difficult, especially when the prey has a low population density. Here, we report for the first time such a case: a feral cat that has ambushed, killed, and consumed a regionally near-threatened species, the Persian squirrel. This incidental observation happened in the squirrel's westernmost end of its distribution, the island of Lesvos, Greece. Due to the unexpectedness of the event, in the following days, we estimated both the squirrels' and cats' population density. Results showed that while the density of the squirrels is moderate, the population density of the feral cats is almost fifteen times higher. For this reason, management actions need to be taken in an effort to minimize the impacts of feral cats on the native species of the island.

The Histological Study of the Ileum in the Caucasian Squirrel Sciurus anomalus

The current study was designed to identify the histological composition of the ileum in the Caucasian squirrel Sciurus anomalus. Ten adult squirrels were used for the present study. Animals were anesthetized, anatomized, fixed the study specimens in 10% formalin solution, and conducted a series of histological staining techniques. The ileum consists of four main tunicae represented by mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The tunica mucosa consists of three secondary layers: the epithelial lining layer, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa. The epithelial lining comprises simple columnar epithelial tissue composed of columnar cells and goblet cells. The lamina propria contains simple straight tubular glands called the intestinal glands or the crypt of Lieberkuhn. The muscularis mucosa is composed of a very thin, single layer of smooth muscle fibers arranged circularly. The submucosa consists of dense connective tissue, while the tunica muscularis appears composed of two layers of smooth muscle fibers. The tunica serosa consists of a loose connective tissue that is covered by a mesothelium.

Microanatomy of the cerebellum in Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), a transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical study.

The present study was aimed to investigate the cerebellum histology in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus), using immunohistochemical staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The brain of 4 adult Persian squirrels (2 males and 2 females) were used. For general histology, crystal violet and Luxol fast blue stains were applied. For immunohistochemical examination, myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG), neurofilament 200 (NF200), Calbindin D 28 K, and glial fibrillary associated protein (GFAP) were investigated. The cerebellar cortex was composed of three traditional cellular layers, including molecular, granular and Purkinje cell (Pc) layers. Numerous Nissl bodies detected in the cytoplasm of Pc, which given a purple or blue appearance to the cytoplasm. At the level of TEM, Purkinje cells were identified by their large euchromatin nucleus with an indented plasma membrane. The cytoplasm was high electron dense containing well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (Er), smooth Er, Golgi apparatus in perinuclear region, numerous mitochondria in oval and spherical shapes, free ribosomes, and lysosomes were dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. The expression rate of calbindin D 28 K, MAG, GFAP, and NF200 was determined 49%, 24%, 71%, and 43% respectively. The cerebellum of the Persian squirrel has a common structure similar to those reported in other mammals. However, at the level of TEM, some unique structural features were observed. These results might be taken as a set of basic information for more detailed future studies investigating histophysiology of the cerebellum and its pathological changes in the Persian squirrel as well as for comparative purposes in rodent species.

Detection of morphometrical, histological and histochemical characteristics of lung and trachea in adult local squirrel (Sciurus anomalus)

The present study aimed to identify the topography, morphology, histochemistry and histology of lung structures, bronchial divisions and trachea in adult local Squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) as a species inhabited in Iraqi environments. This work was conducted on thirty local Squirrel of both sexes (15) males and (15) females were divided into three equal groups, first for http://wsx5customurl.comanatomical perceptions, second to resin cast technique and the third for histological study. Anatomically, in both sexes, the trachea appeared as a cartilaginous structure consisting of flexible cartilaginous rings, C-like, connected by annular ligaments. It begins at the end of the cricoid cartilage from the level of the second cervical vertebra to the fourth thoracic vertebral plane; eventually, it splits into the right and left main bronchi. Count tracheal rings, the entire weight of the lung, full length, the diameter of the trachea and right and left bronchi. The trachea in females was slightly less than in males but not significantly. The bronchial tree was detected in resin cast, which was constructed of the trachea divided into left and right primary bronchi (Main bronchi), the right one was split into four secondary bronchi to enter the right lobes and two secondary bronchi to the left one. The left lung contains one lobe, whereas four lobes were observed in the right. Histologically, the wall of the trachea consists of four layers. Epithelial cells of ciliated pseudostratified columnar and goblet cells that reacted positively with PAS were covered in the mucosa. Submucosa was devoid of the tracheal glands. The Trachealis muscle is connected from the outer aspect of rings. Similarly to the trachea, the primary bronchi are structured but smaller in diameter; they break up within the lung into primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi, then it terminates in respiratory bronchioles that contain Clara cells and open at the end in the sacs of alveoli. Two types of pneumocystis were observed lining the alveoli. The current study concluded anatomically and histologically that there were no significant differences between males and females of local squirrels. The lobulation of the lung in squirrels is different from other animals. The trachea and lung histologically resembled numerous animals, however, the wall had micro morphometric changes. But, the surface lining cells of the tracheal and bronchi mucosa secrete neutral mucin, with no submucosal glands in the tracheal wall. Keywords: Trachea, Local Squirrel, Bronchial Tree, Histochemical, Lung.

Histological study of liver for squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) (Güldenstädt, 1785) in Iraq

Histological study of liver for squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) (Güldenstädt, 1785) in Iraq

Complete mitogenomes of Turkish tree squirrels, Sciurus anomalus and S. vulgaris, (Sciuridae: Rodentia: Mammalia) and their phylogenetic status within the tribe Sciurini

The genus Sciurus, a member of the family Sciuridae, is widely distributed in the Holarctic region. To better understand mitogenomic characteristics and to reveal internal phylogenetic relationships of the genus, 20 complete mitogenomes of Turkish tree squirrels were successfully sequenced for the first time, including 19 for S. anomalus (from 16,505 bp to 16,510 bp) and one for S. vulgaris (16,511 bp). The mitogenomes of two species were AT-biased. All tRNAs for two species displayed a typical clover-leaf structure, except for tRNASer(AGY). The tRNA Serine1 (S1)-GCT structure lacked the dihydrouridine (DHU) loop and stem. Based on mitogenomic dataset for phylogeny of Sciurinae, phylogenetic analyses (Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood) did not support monophyly of Sciurus and proposed that S. anomalus, the most basal taxa in the Sciurini tribe, had at least five mitogenome lineages, which were also supported by network analysis. The dissimilarities among the five lineages of S. anomalus ranged from 0.0042 (0.42%) to 0.0062 (0.62%) using K2P sequence pairwise distances. In addition to this mitogenomic analysis result, phylogenetic analyses using the CYTB + D-loop dataset proposed the existence of at least nine lineages for S. anomalus, which was different than those of the previous studies. The current study proposed that the use of mitogenomic data for reconstructing the phylogeny of Turkey’s Sciurus holds an important value for revealing evolutionary relationships.

Phylogeographic structure of the Persian Squirrel, Sciurus anomalus Güldenstädt, 1785 (Mammalia: Rodentia) in the Anatolian Peninsula, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences: implications for metapopulation

The phylogenetic, phylogeographic and evolution history of Sciurus anomalus was studied in the Anatolian Peninsula using a 1726 bp region of the mitochondrial genome. The phylogenetic and network analyses of 32 specimens suggested that S. anomalus consists of two main mitochondrial lineages, an eastern and a western lineage. Both lineages are nested within the Greek and Lebanese populations, but not within the Syrian or Iranian populations. Coalescence analyses indicated that both lineages originated during the Chibanian geological stage under the climatic fluctuations, one of them within western Anatolia or the Aegean islands and the other one in eastern Anatolia or the Caucasus region. The neutrality and mismatch analyses offered a possible scenario suggesting the existence of different lineages in the Anatolian Peninsula. Isolation by distance typically represented a significant positive correlation between geographic distance and genetic divergence in both lineages. The analyses also suggest that the eastern and western lineages of S. anomalus may represent a metapopulation in Anatolia.

Landscape conservation and protected areas (case of Dena, Iran).

Inefficient management of protected areas (PAs) is often due to ignoring their surrounding matrix in the baseline studies, especially in wooded landscapes. In Iran, the application of landscape structure studies in protection policies and PA management is not prevalent. In this study, land cover changes in Dena Rural District (including parts of inside and outside Dena PA) have analyzed using the process of the Landsat images along with field survey two times (1989 and 2018). The landscape structural integrity was quantified based on the situation of oak forest land and its alteration. The composition and the configuration of oak forest land were assessed by metrics based on the moving extent of the Persian squirrel, Sciurus anomalus (which is an endangered focal endemic species completely dependent on the oak forest). Alterations of landscape structural integrity were compared for inside and outside Dena PA and at different altitudes. The results show connectivity loss and increased fragmentation of oak remnant patches, but this deforestation is more severe near areas facing direct human impacts and interventions. These are among attributes that are to be considered for zoning PA (such as controlling zone and training/participation zone). At higher altitudes, physical protection and strict control are more effective, while training local communities for stewardship is more essential at lower altitudes for conserving woodland integrity.

Distribution and conservation of Sciurus anomalus in Syria (Rodentia: Sciuridae)

The current distribution of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) in Syria is described based on recent observations. The species distribution extends along the coastal mountains from the vicinity of Kasab in the extreme northwest of the country, along the mountains of Lattakia and Tartus, reaching the vicinity of Damascus in the southwest, with the highest situated records from the Tartus area. Threats including hunting, trading, habitat degradation, and conflicts with local people are outlined.

Comparative Anatomical Study of Kidney in adult Male Squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) and Mice (Mus musculus)

The current study aimed to investigate the anatomical, morphological, morphometrical data of the kidney in two types of rodent, the squirrel and mice. A total number of 80 kidneys were obtaining from two species which include 40 specimens from squirrels and same number of specimens from mice.Current study showed that the kidneys in two species lay in the abdominal cavity lying retroperitoneal against upper dorsal wall rear of abdominal cavity on either side of vertebral column.The left kidney in squirrel was longer and thicker than right kidney while in mice was reversible and in both animal the left kidney more distant from the median plane than the right but the left kidney in squirrel was larger than right kidney the value.Shape of kidneys in squirrel appeared semi bean like structure but in mice the shape was typical bean like structure, and in both animals the kidneys have smooth surface. Both kidneys of squirrel were by relatively solid texture in contrast with mice kidney.The biometrical measurements of the kidney revealed that the mean weight in squirrel was significantly larger than that of mice. Whereas all micro measurements recorded showed a significant differences between squirrel and mice where the means in squirrel appeared higher than those of mice.Renal artery which arises from abdominal aorta divided to the right branches, the right artery appeared shorter than the left artery, because the left kidney being more distant from the median plane than the right one. The renal artery in mice divided into 3 branches called anterior renal artery, intermediate renal artery and posterior renal artery but in squirrel divided to 2 branches anterior and posterior renal artery. in both animals the 2nd order of artery branches intermediate renal artery divided in mice in 4 inerlober branches but in squirrel the interlober divided into 6 branches

Histological, transmission electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical study of the adrenal gland in the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus).

This research was aimed to present the histological and ultrastructure properties of the adrenal gland in the Persian squirrel. Two male and female animals were included in the study. The adrenal gland was bean-shaped and located on the cranial pole of kidney. The enveloping capsule was dense connective tissue that reacted positively with Periodic-Acid Schiff (PAS) and Masson trichrome stainings. The parenchyma of the gland consisted of two-part, namely cortex and medulla; the cortex had three layers: zona glomerulosa (ZG), zona fasciculata (ZF), and zona reticularis (ZR). The cells of the ZG were mainly spherical and ovoid with circular arrangement and few lipid droplets in TEM micrographs. The cells of the ZF were columnar and spherical that were arranged in cord-like rows. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated conspicuous lipid droplets and mitochondria in this zone. The cells of the ZR were arranged in a tangled networks and were almost similar to those in the ZF. TEM images showed fewer lipid vesicles in the ZR compared to the ZF and ZG. Chromaffin cells were located in the medulla of the adrenal gland in two layers. TEM images showed that some of them were smaller and contained fewer secretory granules; other cells were larger and contained more electron-dense secretory granules. Immunofluorescence staining showed that steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) expressed from cortex to the corticomedullary junction (CMJ) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressed in the medulla. In conclusion, the results indicated both similarities and differences between the adrenal gland of the Persian squirrel and other animals such as mammals and rodents.

Comprehensive histochemical and stereological study of the parotid and sublingual salivary glands in Caucasian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus)

The present investigation tries to reflect histochemical and stereological properties of the parotid gland (PG) and sublingual gland (SLG) in the Caucasian squirrel. Totally, five male Caucasian squirrels were used. The glands were examind histochemical using PAS, Alcian blue (AB, pH = 2.5) and Aldehyde fucshin (AF) stainings. Total volume of the glands, acini, ducts as well as total length of ducts were estimated using streological procedures. The PG had a unique morphology and were connected to each other with an intermediated isthmus. The SLG was oval-shaped. Serous acini of PG exhibited strong, negative and weak reaction with AF, AB and PAS, respectively. While, mucous acini of SLG showed positive staining for AB and PAS, and negative staining for AF. The ductal system was consisted of intercalated (Id), striated (SD) and excretory ducts (Ed). The Sd in PG was lined with simple cuboidal to the columnar epithelium, while it was lined with simple cuboidal epithelium in SLG. The Ed was lined with stratified cuboidal epithelium in both glands. The striated duct was longest duct in both glands, the excretory and intercalated ducts were the shortest ones in PG and SLG, respectively. The maximum total volume in both gland were blonged to the acini and straited ducts. It concluded that PG and SLG in the Caucasian squirrel have some distinct structural properties in comparison to other rodents and mammalis species.

Rodent Species of Sarıkum Nature Protection Area

Sarıkum Nature Protection area, located in the west of Sinop Province with the registration of ‘nature protection area’ and declaration of ‘grade 1 natural site area’, has a wide variety of ecosystems in which lake, swamp, dune, terrestrial forest and floodplain forestland ecosystems change within short distances. The fact that the region has different life alternatives is very important in diversifying wildlife species. With this study, the rodent species that have distributed in the Sarıkum Nature Protection Area have been identified. Field works were carried out between September 2018 and November 2019. Most of the small mammals belonging to order of Rodentia were caught by live catch traps and identified. After the species identification the specimens in the traps were let out to the region which they were captured. In Sarıkum Nature Protection Area, a total of ten different rodent species belonging to 3 families, Sciuridae, Cricetidae and Muridae, have been identified. One species, Sciurus anomalus, which was one of the Sciuridae family species, could be directly observed. Remaining 9 rodent species were detected by using live catch traps. The most frequently caught rodent species among all was Apodemus mystacinus from Muridae family, with a percentage of 23%. The habitat type, where the largest number of rodent species were obtained and observed, were mixed plants and shrub land areas. All of the rodent species identified in Sarıkum Nature Protection Area were in LC (wide spread, low risk) category of IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). Identification of rodent species in Sarıkum Nature Protection Area contribute to mammalian biodiversity at the regional level and will enable species-based approach in subsequent studies.