Feeding ecology of two rodent species, <i>Ctenodactylus gundi</i> and <i>Ctenodactylus vali</i> (Ctenodactylidae), in North-western Algerian Sahara

Abstract We investigated the feeding ecology of the two Ctenodactylus species, Ctenodactylus gundi and Ctenodactylus vali , in the Bechar region (North-western Algerian Sahara) over a two-year period, using microhistological analysis of faecal samples, including the first quantitative data on the diet of C. vali . Both species are strictly herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, seeds, stems, and flowers. Ctenodactylus gundi , which inhabits semi-arid regions, exhibited a broad and opportunistic diet (27 plant species), whereas C. vali , found in more arid regions, showed a more specific diet, dominated by Amaranthaceae. Both diets reflect local and seasonal plant availability following rainfalls, with mainly Chrysanthemum macrocarpum and Capparis spinosa for C. gundi, Haloxylon scoparium, Atriplex halimus and Salsola vermiculata for C. vali . Although competitive interactions may occur, differences in both diets seem mainly due to climatic conditions that support the parapatric range of the two species.