Mammalian fauna of the Chagai Desert and adjoining areas

This study is the first ever attempt to document mammalian fauna of the chagai desert,based on trappings and sign surveys carried out in randomly selected sites in 2005 and 2008. we have updated records of mammalian distribution for northwestern balochistan,by documenting 23 mammalian species from the area. majority of the recorded species were common and adaptable. the order rodentia dominated the mammalian fauna,being represented by 11 species. gerbillus gleadowi and jaculus blanfordi were the most abundant species,followed by the meriones libycus. crossodura zarudnyi and meriones crassus were relatively rare. among large mammals only the adaptable species mammals such as fox and jackals were common. we report new records of some small mammalian species from the area viz.,calomyscus bailwardi,rhombomys opimus and girbillus gleadowi. the asiatic cheetah inhabits the neighboring areas in iran,however,no signs of its presence were found in the study area. the occurrence of goitred gazelle was confirmed in areas close to kirtika hills through signs and sightings. this species was previously thought to be extinct from pakistan.