Morphological Properties of Nannospalax (Rodentia: Spalacidae) Distributed in North-Iraq

The materials of 11 specimens of mole-rats (Nannospalax) were collected from three different localities in North Iraq. The specimens were studied in respect to their morphological characteristics in detail. Some taxonomic peculiarities and measurements of body and skull have been investigated. The data obtained from the specimens were compared with the results of the previously published accounts. The results show that morphological peculiarities between the studied populations in North Iraq show great similarities. We therefore conclude that the North Iraqi population can be morphologically classified as Nannospalax ehrenbergi.