Order: Rodentia — Family: Gerbillidae

Status: Category V (DD) — Data Deficient species.

Importance for genetic conservation: A monotypic species with a limited distribution range.

Distribution: Found in the extreme south of Turkmenistan (vicinities of Serkhetabat and Serkhetchi village), particularly in the southern part of Karabil. Also found in Afghanistan and Iran.

Habitat: Lower slopes of deep gorges and sandy-clay hills with annual cereal-ephemeral vegetation; steep slopes of bayirs, ravine bottoms, and mountain foothills with diverse grasses; edge zones of burrows of the great gerbil.

Population trends: Observed in Karabil several times from the 1950s to the 1970s. A significant decline was recorded in 1978. In 2011, only two specimens were captured. No recent data on population status.

Biological features: Crepuscular and nocturnal. A female caught in late April had six embryos, and another caught in May had nine. Feeds on herbaceous plants and seeds of cereals.

Breeding: Not studied.

Conservation actions applied: Listed in the IUCN Red List (Category DD). Included in the Red Data Book of Turkmenistan since 1999.

Conservation actions proposed: Monitor habitats and regulate livestock grazing.

Research proposals: Further research on distribution and ecology is recommended.