Comparative analysis of spatial relations of 4 gerbil species (M. tama
riscinus, M. meridianus, M. libycus, M. unguiculatus) shows difference
s in the system of space use between species and within a species - be
tween individuals of different sex. During reproduction period females
are inclined to isolation, small overlap of home ranges and high degr
ee of individualisation, Males occupy large home ranges overlapping wi
th territories of several reproductive females. The territories occupi
ed by the males of midday and tamarisk gerbils do not have clear bound
aries and the level of their individualisation is quite low. The males
of Mongolian gerbil (M. unguiculatus) occupy well defined territories
with high level of individualisation, Spatial relations of M. libycus
males are intermediate, The relationships of the males of three inves
tigated species (M. meridianus, M. libycus, M. tamariscinus) being cha
racterised by the high degree of asymmetry of pair connections, are or
ganised according to the principle of agonistic dominance. Relationshi
ps between individuals of different family groups of Mongolian gerbils
are based on the locus-dependent dominance, while within one family g
roup - on principle of hierarchical subordination, The meaning of spec
ific pecularities in use of space and dominance relations are discusse
d in terms of reproductive strategies.