A survey of mammal diversity in the Turaif province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

One hundred and forty mammals of fifteen different species belonging to nine families, collected during one-year survey period in Turaif province of Saudi Arabia, are reported. Collections were made during studying the diversity of land vertebrate fauna of Turaif area at the northern province of Saudi Arabia. Cricetidae (n = 64) was the most common family. Jaculus jaculus vocator (n = 34) was recorded the highest number of events for any mammal in the surveyed area followed by Gerbillus nanus (n = 23). Two species of mammals namely G. nanus (n = 23) and Felis margarita (n = 3) were reported for the first time in the study area. The geographical distribution of the collected species within this province was mapped.