Gerbil

Animals Unique | Gerbil | Gerbils are naturally found in the sandy plains of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The gerbil was originally known as a desert rat until They were commercially introduced to North America and Bred as pets.

 

The gerbil is a small rodent, similar in many ways to by the mouse and the hamster. Gerbils have a long tail like a mouse the which the gerbil is Able to shed the tail should get trapped. This self defense mechanism allows the gerbils to escape predators, leaving them with just a tail.

 

Gerbils have sharp claws to the which the gerbils use Burrow Their Way into the sandy grounds of the desert. The gerbils are also Able to use these Burrows underground to get away from danger by Quickly Disappearing under the sand.

 

There are thought to be more than 100 different species of gerbil That are found in the wild with the majority of these being diurnal gerbil species. However, many gerbils are kept as pets That live a more nocturnal lifestyle That meaning pet gerbils growing niche to be awake during night time hours more than day-time hours.

 

Wild gerbils are well known for building extensive networks of tunnels That the gerbils are Able to hide and breed in. The gerbil only really comes to the surface of the ground when the gerbil needs to find food and water.

 

The long and releasable tail of the gerbil is around the same length as the body gerbils, but it Appears to depend on the individual gerbil species. The gerbil uses its long tail to help balance the gerbil when the gerbil is standing on its Hind legs.

 

Gerbil Facts
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: mammals
Order: Rodentia
Family: Muridae
Genus: Gerbillinae
Scientific Name: Gerbillinae
Type: Mammal
Diet: omnivore
Size: 7-15cm (2.5-6in)
Weight: 56.6113g (2-4oz)
Top Speed: 6km / h (4mph)
Life Span: 3-5 years
Lifestyle: Solitary
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Colour: Brown, Grey, White, Black, Tan
Skin Type: Fur
Favourite Food: Seeds
Habitat: Dry deserts
Average Litter Size: 8
Main Prey: Seeds, Fruit, Nuts
Predators: Birds, Snakes, Wildcats
Special Features: Small detachable body and long tail