Mammals
Mongolian Gerbil
Meriones unguiculatus · also called clawed jird
Rising on its hind legs at the mouth of a burrow on the Mongolian steppe, a gerbil drums its feet on the ground, an alarm signal that sends the rest of its family dashing underground.
Overview
The Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, is a Least Concern rodent native to dry steppe and semi-desert habitat in Mongolia and northern China. Its foot-drumming alarm, family-group burrow life, and popularity as a pet make it one of the best-known desert rodents in the world.
A warning sent through the ground
The gerbil’s rapid foot-thumping carries through the soil and air of its burrow system, letting a single alert animal warn the whole family at once.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common across suitable dry steppe and semi-desert habitat.
Mongolian Gerbil: common questions
Why does the Mongolian gerbil thump its feet?
It drums its hind feet on the ground to warn others in its family group of danger.
Do Mongolian gerbils live alone?
No, they live in family groups made up of a pair and their offspring, sharing a burrow system.
Where do Mongolian gerbils come from?
They are native to dry steppe and semi-desert habitat in Mongolia and northern China.
Why is the Mongolian gerbil called a clawed jird?
Jird is an old name for gerbil-like desert rodents, and the species is also known by this name for its strong digging claws.