[Biotope distribution of two gerbil species (Meriones meridianus and M. tamariscinus) (Rodentia, Gerbillinae) in southern Kalmykia].

Our studies have been conducted in Southern Kalmykia (Black Lands) in 1994-1996. The data obtained on the same territories in 1981-1983, as well as in 1997-1998 were used for comparison. Over the studied period, the size of Meriones tamariscinus population underwent a significant increase. In the early 1980s, the colonies of this species were found only on sandy dunes covered with tamarix. At the present time, M. tamariscinus populations have spread over stabilized sands, abandoned shepherd camps, and riparian thickets of tamarix along the shores of lakes. Both gerbils species (M. meridianus and M. tamariscinus) establish joint colonies in all biotopes, but not in riparian tamarix thickets near lakes, where only Meriones tamariscinus have been found. The abundance of food and favorable conditions for burrowing in stable sands belong to factors, responsible for permanently high numbers of gerbils in these areas.