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and the length of the ears, and in size, but they are all recognizable as
jerboas. Their hind legs and feet are exceptionally long, and they move
with a rapid hopping gait. The tail is very long, with a distinctive tuft
of longish black and white hair at the tip, and this is used for balance
when hopping. The ears range from moderately long to long. The fur
is soft and fawn to yellowish to reddish above, and the underparts are
normally white. Total length is 25–36 cm; weight is 55–140 g.
Jerboas are most commonly associated with arid areas, including
sandy desert, but a few species – such as the Euphrates Jerboa
(Allactaga euphratica) – occupy areas with higher rainfall. Their
activity is restricted to night-time. They dig their own burrow and
several may live in close proximity. During the hot summer months
burrow entrances are closed during the day. The bulk of jerboas’
food is made up of seeds and succulent plants. Some species breed
throughout the year, while others are more seasonal. There may be
2–9 pups in a litter (this varies between species).
GERBILS Gerbillus spp.
The large group composing the Gerbillus genus consists of mostly small
mice with long tails that usually have a tuft of longer hair at the tip.
Many species are adapted to living in desert or semi-desert areas, and
one or more species occur in many locations in the region. All are similar
in overall appearance and differ largely in the detail. At least 30 species
occur across North Africa and the Middle East: many are widespread,
and a few are very localized. Total length is 12–30 cm; weight is 10–63 g.
Gerbils have very soft coats that range in colour from grey to red-
brown and underparts that are pale to white. The back feet are quite
long, but never as long as those of the jerboas. Gerbils move on all four
feet, the soles of which are hairy. All species are mostly nocturnal and dig
their own burrows. Most live in loose colonies; others are solitary. Gerbils
eat a variety of plant foods, including seeds, roots and grasses, and at
times insects (especially termites) make up an important part of their