Wildlifeof China
Central Midday Jird
Rats, Mice, Voles & Porcupines
Photo: J G Keulemans · Public domain
Meriones meridianus
Basic stats
Diet
Seeds, fruits, insects and green vegetation
Habitat
Sandy deserts, alluvial plains and scrub
Range
Central and East Asia, including western China
Litter size
Average 6 young
Size
9.5–13.4cm head-body length
Weight
30–60g
The midday jird is a small gerbil with a 9.5–13.4cm head-body length, a tail of similar length and a weight of 30–60g. Its upperparts vary from pale yellow-grey to brown, while the underside is white. (Wikipedia, general species account)
It occupies sandy deserts, alluvial plains and scrub across Central and East Asia, including western China, at elevations reaching about 1,600m. Mainly nocturnal animals live colonially in extensive burrows and eat seeds, fruit, green vegetation and insects. Litters average six young. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Central Midday Jird eat?
- Seeds, fruits, insects and green vegetation
- What habitat does the Central Midday Jird live in?
- Sandy deserts, alluvial plains and scrub
- Where is the Central Midday Jird found?
- Central and East Asia, including western China
- What is the litter size of the Central Midday Jird?
- Average 6 young
- How big is the Central Midday Jird?
- 9.5–13.4cm head-body length
- How much does the Central Midday Jird weigh?
- 30–60g