Mammals
Fat-tailed Gerbil
Pachyuromys duprasi · also called duprasi
Emerging from its burrow after dark, a fat-tailed gerbil shows the plump, club-shaped tail that doubles as a food reserve, a desert adaptation that sets it apart from every other gerbil.
Overview
The fat-tailed gerbil, Pachyuromys duprasi, is a Least Concern rodent native to desert and semi-desert habitat across parts of North Africa. Its fat-storing tail, stocky build, and gentle temperament make it one of the most distinctive and endearing small desert rodents.
A pantry on the tail
The fat-tailed gerbil keeps part of its energy reserve in its tail, a built-in pantry for lean times in an environment where food can be hard to find.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across suitable desert habitat in North Africa.
Fat-tailed Gerbil: common questions
Why is it called the fat-tailed gerbil?
It has a short, thick, club-shaped tail that stores fat, which gives the species its common name.
What is the fat-tailed gerbil's tail for?
It acts as an energy store, letting the animal draw on fat when food is scarce in its desert home.
Is the fat-tailed gerbil like other gerbils?
It is stockier and plumper than the long-tailed gerbils, and calmer, though it shares their burrowing and nocturnal habits.
Where is the fat-tailed gerbil found?
It is native to desert and semi-desert habitat across parts of North Africa, including the Sahara.