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<p>We investigate the ecology of <i>Psammomys obesus</i> (fat sand rat) in southern Tunisia, focusing on its distribution and abundance in relation to vegetation structure and plant species composition. Given its dependence on halophytic vegetation, particularly Amaranthaceae, we tested the hypothesis that its distribution and abundance are influenced by plant density, species richness, and specific plant species presence rather than vegetation cover. We conducted field surveys across diverse arid ecosystems and analyzed the relationships between fat sand rat occurrence and abundance relative to plant density and species richness. <i>Psammomys obesus</i> was present at approximately one quarter of surveyed sites, with low average total and active burrow densities, indicating notable habitat-driven variation. Its occurrence was closely associated with Amaranthaceae plants, particularly <i>Arthrophytum scoparium</i> and <i>Arthrophytum schmittianum</i>, highlighting the species’ specialized dietary and habitat requirements. Fat sand rat abundance was positively associated with the presence of the Amaranthaceae, Poaceae and Apiaceae families, reflecting the contribution of multiple species within these families, while at the species level only <i>Stipagrostis pungens</i> (Poaceae) showed a significant effect. Our findings highlight that conserving halophytic species of the Amaranthaceae family, which strongly determine fat sand rat occurrence, as well as other key plant families such as Poaceae and Apiaceae that influence its abundance, is crucial for sustaining the food and shelter resources that support <i>Psammomys obesus</i> populations in arid landscapes.</p>

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The role of vegetation in shaping distribution and population density of the fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus) in Tunisia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月9日

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  • Olfa Tabel Hmidi,
  • Yamna Karssene,
  • Marouane Louhichi,
  • Abir Zaied,
  • Mohsen Jarray,
  • Ali Zaidi,
  • Maria Chikha,
  • Soundes Akriche,
  • Mohsen Chammem

摘要

We investigate the ecology of Psammomys obesus (fat sand rat) in southern Tunisia, focusing on its distribution and abundance in relation to vegetation structure and plant species composition. Given its dependence on halophytic vegetation, particularly Amaranthaceae, we tested the hypothesis that its distribution and abundance are influenced by plant density, species richness, and specific plant species presence rather than vegetation cover. We conducted field surveys across diverse arid ecosystems and analyzed the relationships between fat sand rat occurrence and abundance relative to plant density and species richness. Psammomys obesus was present at approximately one quarter of surveyed sites, with low average total and active burrow densities, indicating notable habitat-driven variation. Its occurrence was closely associated with Amaranthaceae plants, particularly Arthrophytum scoparium and Arthrophytum schmittianum, highlighting the species’ specialized dietary and habitat requirements. Fat sand rat abundance was positively associated with the presence of the Amaranthaceae, Poaceae and Apiaceae families, reflecting the contribution of multiple species within these families, while at the species level only Stipagrostis pungens (Poaceae) showed a significant effect. Our findings highlight that conserving halophytic species of the Amaranthaceae family, which strongly determine fat sand rat occurrence, as well as other key plant families such as Poaceae and Apiaceae that influence its abundance, is crucial for sustaining the food and shelter resources that support Psammomys obesus populations in arid landscapes.