The author reviews the problem of damage by Meriones spp. in agriculture in North Africa, especially M. shawi (Duvernoy). This species is subject to outbreaks like those of microtine rodents in Europe.
The importance of M. libycus Lichtenstein and M. crassus Sundevall in North Africa and M. persicus (Blanford), M. tristrami Thomas and M. Vinogradovi Heptner in the Middle East is discussed. The 3 latter seem to have become of greater importance in Iran, following changes in agricultural practices.