First genetic identification of Sundevall’s jird Meriones crassus (Rodentia, Muridae) in Morocco and the hypothesis of range extension

Rodents from the subfamily Gerbillinae Gray, 1825, are an important component of small fauna in arid and desertic regions Africa Asia. Among this group rodents, Sundevall’s jird, Meriones crassus, is one most widespread desert species, found countries ranging Morocco to Pakistan. In study, we sequenced cytochrome b gene mitochondrial DNA two specimens captured Morocco, constituting first genetic identification for species African continent. Molecular was complemented supported with morphological evidence. Additionally, propose hypothesis a northward extension 250 km geographic distribution jird perhaps indicating increasing desertification affecting North Africa. Further evidence will be required test latter hypothesis. Dataset published through Zenodo (Doi: 10.5281/zenodo.4674889)