Predation on a Social Desert Rodent, Rhombomys Opimus: Effect of Group Size, Composition, and Location

Large group size yields group stability in the cooperatively breeding cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher

“…Our results corroborate these shortterm positive effects of group size, suggesting group size also has long-term effects: larger groups were less likely to go extinct and large groups also tended to be large a year later. Positive effects of group size on survival and reproductive success are widespread in cooperatively breeding birds (e.g., Conner et al, 2004;Khan & Walters, 2004;Russell et al, 2004, see also some species listed in Stacey & Koenig, 1990), rodents (e.g., Allainé et al, 2000Waterman, 2002), carnivores (Rood, 1990;Clutton-Brock et al, 2001b;Courchamp et al, 2002;Russell et al, 2002; see review Russell, 2004), and primates (e.g., Heymann & Soini, 1999;van Noordwijk & van Schaik, 1999), but not always (e.g., Rogovin et al, 2004;Seddon et al, 2004). It should be remarked, however, that the majority of these studies are correlational, i.e.…”

“…On the one hand, individuals may benefit from living in a herd, colony, or group ('aggregations', e.g., Pulliam & Caraco, 1984;Taylor, 1984). Potential benefits include positive effects on survival or reproduction through predator deterrence (e.g., Rasa, 1986;Pitcher & Parrish, 1993;Hill & Dunbar, 1998;Janson, 1998;Clutton-Brock et al, 1999a;Rogovin et al, 2004), sharing in parental duties (Choe & Crespi, 1997;Solomon & French, 1997;Koenig & Dickinson, 2004), and shared vigilance, leaving more time for feeding (e.g., Hailman et al, 1994;Clutton-Brock et al, 2001a, b;Wright et al, 2001;Krause & Ruxton, 2002). On the other hand, individuals face costs of living in aggregations, mainly because of two general reasons.…”

First confirmed record of the Corsac Fox,Vulpes corsac,from Iran and considerations on its status (Mammalia: Canidae)

“…These species have also been recorded in the diet of the Corsac Fox in other areas such as Turkmenistan (Rogovin, Randall, Kolosova, & Moshkin, 2004). The species is an opportunistic forager and predator, and its abundance is probably dependent on the abundance of its prey.…”

Vulpes corsac (Carnivora: Canidae)

“…Prey species vary throughout the range of the species, but a majority of the diet consists of small and medium-sized vertebrates and insects. Narrow-skulled voles (Microtus gregalis) and steppe voles (Lagurus lagurus) are taken by V. corsac in the northern part of its range, and in other regions, it consumes gerbils (Meriones and Rhombomys opimus- Rogovin et al 2004), jerboas (Allactaga and Dipus), hamsters (Cricetulus and Phodopus), voles (Alticola, Lasiopodomys, and Microtus), and long-tailed ground squirrels (Spermophilus undulatus- Ricankova et al 2006). Pika (Ochotona) and larger prey such as hares (Lepus) and marmots (Marmota) are taken opportunistically (Heptner et al 1998).…”