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PERSIAN SQUIRREL Sciurus anomalus
Identification The upperparts of this tree squirrel are usually dark in
colour (in some areas they are lighter), and the front part of the body
and tail may be reddish (also the underparts). Some populations are
grey above, yellow below and have a reddish tail. The tail is about a
third of the total length.
Size Total length 35 cm.
Habitat and Behaviour This is a diurnal rodent that feeds on the
seeds of cedar, pines and oaks, and also tree buds and leaves. The
seeds are stored in tree hollows for the winter.
Distribution and Status The Persian Squirrel lives in Israel, Lebanon,
Syria, eastern Iraq, eastern Turkey and where oak forest survives in the
Zagros mountains of Iran. It is considered to be rare and endangered in
many areas.
Conservation Areas Mt Hermon NR (Israel) and Dibbin Forest NP
(Jordan).
Similar Species In Baluchestan, far south-eastern Iran, the Palm
Squirrel (Funambulus pennantii) lives in date plantations and wooded
areas. It has distinctive dark and white stripes on its back.
JERBOAS (Dipodidae)
Ten species of jerboa of the genera Dipus, Jaculus and Allactaga
occur in the region, across North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and
northwards into eastern Turkey, and they are widespread in Iran. They
vary in detail, such as the number of functional toes on the back feet