Arid ecoregions suffer from increased ungulate herbivory and the effects on biodiversity are the focus of current debate. The progressive desertification of landscapes and disturbance of ecological patterns call for sustainable management strategies. Sensitive bioindicators may allow for the detection of early stages of environmental degradation and the initiation of protection programs. Grazing pressure has been correlated with the diversity and abundance of small mammals, and its influence on their behaviour is assumed to be a new parameter for bioindication. This investigation tests the...