THE REPRODUCTION IN TWO LOCAL POPULATIONS OF LIBYAN JIRD (Meriones libycus Lichtenschtein, 1823) IN AZERBAIJAN.

A comparative analysis of reproduction in two local populations of Libyan Jird (Meriones libycus) inhabiting in the semi-desert areas and foothill steppes of Azerbaijan, the Jeyranchol population is met most in the Western and the Absheron population most in the Eastern of Azerbaijan. The studied reproductive characteristics (sex composition, the relative ratio of the pregnant females and number of the embryos) are subject to the seasonal variation and geoclimatic factors determine largely the breeding success, according to observed indicators higher in the Jeyranchol population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]