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Scientific Name: |
GERBILLUS PYRAMIDUM
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This gerbil looks rather different than other gerbil species, not only is it bigger than the average gerbillus, but also, the head is more sloped, and more pointed than is usual in a gerbil, and the ears are much smaller than you would expect in a gerbil of this size. From nose to the tip of the tail they are about 240mm (9.5 inches) long, with the tail being about the same length as the body. In colour they are darker than most gerbillus species, being a reddish brown agouti colour. Their tails almost totally lack fur, and their bellies are white.
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Throughout northern Africa, Israel.
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These gerbils are a very common rodent in the oases of the Sahara, living mainly on the bordering sandy areas. They are often only resident where they can access the dates that fall form the palms. Researchers have been known to obtain specimens for study by paying local Arabs for animals they have caught in their homes. In some areas these gerbils avoid barren desert but in others they manage to live amongst the few shrubs that eke out a living in hammada type desert common in the Sahara. In the Sudan they often burrow into the softer sand which gathers around bushes and at the base of acacia trees.
They are nocturnal, and usually don't go far from their burrow. During daytime the entrance is plugged with sand.
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Greater Egyptian Gerbils breed from June to February in the wild, and litter size varies between two and seven. Gestation lasts 22 days. Born hairless and blind, the pups start to crawl at eight days. Eyes open on the nineteenth or twentieth day. Weaning takes until the 25th or 30th day.
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Maintenance and behaviour in captivity:
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They need a large tank, enough nesting space and prefer a sand-bowl. They do hoard their food. They are social animals, but a pregnant female might chase the male away. They are usually very shy animals.
In captivity they live until just under two years.
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