ZOOGEOGRAPHICAL REGIONALIZATION OF ARID A REAS OF CHINA (BASED ON DATA ON RODENTS DISTRIBUTION)

Distribution of 110 rodent species in arid landscapes of China is repr esented. On the basis of the data obtained using a cluster analysis of the rodent ran ges a comprehensive scheme of zoogeographical regional ization of the territory has been compiled. Within the arid territory, completely incorporated into the Palaearctic, there were distinguishe d four units at the highest regional level (Sahara-Gobi desert; Centra l Asian mountain; Eurasian steppe; Manchurian-Chinese broad-leaved for est), 7 subregions, 21 superprovinces and 23 provinces. This regionali zation confirms the profound species and landscape diversity of the ro dent fauna in arid areas of China.