The Gerbil Genetics Group is formed by Vera Brueckmann, Michael Mettler, Fred Petrij and Karin van Veen.
A few years ago some new gerbil colours where discovered, and the four of us were very interested in the genetics of those colours. We decided to share our knowledge, tried to figure out what mutation was responsible for the new colours.
We also thought that it would be wise to use international names for those new colours, so that confusion could be prevented as much as possible. Michael set up a colour standard for Germany, and we proposed names for the new colours via the Internet:

The Gerbil Genetics Group (GGG) has been thinking of the names of some new colours with the help of some Gerbil Mailing List members. Because there is some confusion about the names and genotypes of the new colours we decided to make a list of all known colours and send it to the GML. Go to the names list.

In the meantime we were asked to give a presentation at the annual rodentfestival (Knagerfestijn) in The Netherlands. People had heard about the new colours, and would like to see them, and would like to know more about about the colour genetics.

Various new colours were first bred by the GGG, like for instance the sapphire, blue fox and polar fox. We are also working on the new dilute gene.

Some pictures of a GGG meeting in December 2001:

All cosy around a pot of tea! From left to right: Vera, Michael, Karin and Fred.

Fred and Karin reading over some lines, under supervision of Maarten Petrij.

Watching a Dark eyed Honey gerbil walk over our manuscripts.

On closer examination,.......

The gerbil examinating our work!