Rodents of the Palaearctic Region

The Palaearctic region is a biogeographic realm, comprising Europe, North Africa and parts of Asia north of the Himalayas. It features diverse ecosystems, including tundra, taiga, temperate forests and deserts, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna adapted to various climates and habitats. Rodents in the Palaearctic region constitute a diverse group of mammals belonging to the order Rodentia. This region hosts a rich array of rodent species like mice, voles, rats and many more, adapted to diverse ecological niches, from the Arctic tundra to temperate forests and arid deserts. Rodents play crucial roles in ecosystem dynamics as herbivores, seed dispersers and prey for predators. Physiologically, Palaearctic rodents exhibit adaptations such as efficient gnawing teeth (incisors) for feeding on vegetation, burrowing behaviours for shelter and reproductive strategies suited to seasonal variations in food availability. Common examples include Tundra vole, Arctic lemming, Steppe lemming, Bank vole etc. These animals have distinct ecological preferences and behaviours. This book aims to shed light on some of the unexplored aspects of the rodents of the Palaearctic Region. The topics covered in this extensive book deal with the core subjects of Zoology and Ethology. It will provide comprehensive insights to the readers.