Gerbils are popular small pets, and understanding their native origins is important for providing proper care. These small rodents have wild roots in some of the world’s most arid environments, which shaped their unique adaptations and behaviors. Learning about their natural habitats helps us appreciate the specific needs of these engaging animals.
Mongolia’s Deserts
The most common pet gerbil, the Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), originates from the harsh, arid regions of Mongolia, as well as parts of northern China and southern Siberia. They inhabit vast areas including the Gobi Desert and semi-arid steppes. These environments are characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations, with summer temperatures reaching up to 50°C (122°F) and winter temperatures dropping to -40°C (-40°F).
The terrain in these regions typically features sandy soil with sparse vegetation, consisting primarily of grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Annual precipitation is low, often less than 230 mm per year, and winters are long. Mongolian Gerbils have adapted to these challenging conditions, relying on burrows for survival.
Other Natural Habitats
While the Mongolian Gerbil is the most familiar species, over 110 species of gerbils exist, with native habitats spanning across Africa, India, and Asia. These diverse species generally thrive in arid to semi-arid environments, including deserts, grasslands, and steppes. For example, the Fat-tailed Gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi) is native to the northern Sahara Desert, found in countries such as Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria.
Other gerbil species, like the Great Gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), inhabit Central Asian deserts, while various types are found across the Middle East, including Cheesman’s gerbil and the Pygmy gerbil. Despite their varied geographical locations, these species share a common preference for dry, often sandy or rocky, landscapes with limited vegetation.
Life in Their Native Environment
In their natural habitats, gerbils rely heavily on intricate burrow systems for survival. These underground networks provide refuge from extreme temperatures, offering cooler conditions during scorching days and warmer shelter during cold nights. Burrows also offer protection from predators and serve as storage areas for food and safe places to raise young. Wild gerbils are adept diggers, creating complex systems with multiple entrances and chambers for nesting and food storage.
Gerbils have developed specific physical and behavioral adaptations to arid environments. Their light brown fur provides camouflage against the desert landscape, helping them avoid predators. They conserve water by producing highly concentrated urine and dry feces, obtaining moisture from the plants and insects they consume. While some gerbil species are primarily nocturnal, others, including the Mongolian Gerbil, exhibit crepuscular or even diurnal activity, often hiding in burrows during the hottest parts of the day.
Discovery and Domestication
The Mongolian Gerbil first came to the attention of Western science in 1866, when French missionary and zoologist Father Armand David sent specimens from northern China to the Museum of Natural History in Paris. Initially referred to as “yellow rats,” these animals were scientifically named Gerbillus unguiculatus in 1867. Their journey towards domestication began when 20 pairs of wild-caught Mongolian Gerbils were sent to Japan in 1935 for scientific research.
In 1954, Dr. Victor Schwentker imported 11 pairs of these gerbils from Japan to the United States for research purposes. Their calm demeanor and clean habits were recognized, leading to their introduction as pets. Their popularity as household companions grew rapidly in the U.S. in the late 1950s, followed by their introduction to the United Kingdom in 1964.