Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) — species profile (taxonomy, geographic range, habitat, physical description, behavior, wild diet, reproduction, lifespan)
Authoritative first-hand species account (Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan). All bullet facts are verbatim from the cited source and C1-substring verified.
Geographic Range
- Mongolian gerbils, or Mongolian jirds, occur naturally in the highlands of Inner Mongolia.
- They are also found in adjacent parts of southern Siberia and northern China, including Sinkiang and Manchuria provinces.
- Currently Meriones unguiculatus is a popular housepet and is widely used in research.
- It can be found worldwide in a variety of locales and environments (Agren et al. 1989).
Habitat
- Mongolian gerbils live in the highlands in Inner Mongolia.
- Climate in these regions is extreme, temperatures can vary from -40 degrees Celsius in the winter to 50 degrees Celsius in the summer.
- These areas are characterized by low annual precipitation (less than 230 mm a year) and a long winter (October to April).
- Gerbils, or jirds, live in clay or sandy deserts, grasslands, scrub, arid steppes, and mountain valleys.
Physical Description
- Mongolian jird body length averages 120 mm long, tail length may range up to 120 mm.
- The fur is thin, with grey roots, a yellow shaft, and a black tip.
- Ventral fur is white and their unfurred claws reveal their pink/white skin.
- Males are slightly larger than females, with males averaging 60 grams and females averaging 50-55 grams (van Veen 1999).
Behavior
- Mongolian gerbils have some interesting behaviors.
- Each family group of gerbils seems to be led by an alpha male that is larger than the rest.
- Family and territory size (anywhere from 325 to 1550 square meters) seems to be dependent on alpha male size.
- There are 2-3 times more females than males in any family but family size rarely exceeds 20 animals.
- Gerbils spend much of their time foraging.
Food Habits (Wild Diet)
- Mongolian gerbils feed mainly on mugwort ( Artemisia sieversiana and A.
- Saltwort ( Salsola collina ), bristle grass ( Setaria viridis ), and lyme grass ( Leymus chinensis ) are also eaten.
- Gerbils conserve both water and fat extremely well.
- They conserve water by producing a highly concentrated urine and dry feces.
- Captive mongolian gerbils eat a wide variety of foods, including grains, grasses, and some fruits and vegetables.
Reproduction
- Wild mongolian gerbils breed between February and October, producing up to three litters.
- The estrus cycle lasts 4-6 days and a post-partum estrus can occur.
- Gestation lasts between 19 and 30 days.
- Litter size varies between 1 and 12, but averages 4 to 7.
Conservation Status
- Mongolian gerbil populations are stable.
- Their adaptations to their harsh natural enviroments makes them suited for living in many parts of the world.
- Additional Links Encyclopedia of Life Contributors Jack Chen (author), University of California, Irvine, Rudi Berkelhamer (editor), University of California, Irvine.
Lifespan
- Average lifespan Status: captivity 2.0 years