Jerboas are small rodents known for their kangaroo-like appearance and hopping locomotion. They possess long hind legs, short forelegs, and tails often longer than their bodies, which they use for balance and effective navigation.
Global Distribution
Jerboas inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of the Old World, primarily North Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. In North Africa, their range includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. Asian distribution covers Central Asia, parts of the Middle East, Mongolia, and China, with specific countries like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkey. Some species also extend into Eastern Europe, found in Ukraine and European Russia.
Preferred Environments
Jerboas primarily inhabit sandy deserts, semi-arid steppes, and arid grasslands. They are also found in rocky plains. These environments experience extreme temperature fluctuations, from near freezing in winter to over 130 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Jerboas thrive in areas with sparse vegetation, often foraging in open spaces. While many prefer sandy substrates, some species, like the great jerboa, prefer clay ground.
Living in Arid Lands
Survival Adaptations
Jerboas exhibit specialized adaptations to survive in their harsh arid environments. They are primarily nocturnal, emerging from their burrows at night when temperatures are considerably cooler. During hot daylight hours, they shelter in intricate burrow systems, which provide refuge from extreme heat and predators.
Jerboas construct various types of burrows, including temporary ones for daytime cover or night hunting, and more permanent structures for summer and winter use. Winter burrows are typically longer and deeper, serving as sites for hibernation in colder regions. Permanent summer burrows are where they raise their young. They often plug burrow entrances with soil to maintain tolerable internal temperatures and conserve moisture.
Their diet consists mainly of seeds, insects, and succulent plant materials like roots and moist leaves. Jerboas obtain all necessary hydration from their food, as they generally do not drink freestanding water. Physiological adaptations include producing highly concentrated urine to minimize water loss. Some species enter a state of torpor during hot summer months, while others hibernate through the winter, relying on stored body fats.
Locomotion
Jerboas use bipedal locomotion, moving by hopping on their elongated hind legs. Their long, often tufted, tails provide balance during these movements and act as a prop when sitting upright. When threatened, jerboas employ erratic, zig-zagging movements with rapid changes in speed and direction to evade predators. While they normally hop 10-13 centimeters, they can leap up to 3 meters (10 feet) and reach speeds of 24-25 kilometers per hour (15 mph) when escaping danger.