Wildlifeof China
Mongolian Jird
Rats, Mice, Voles & Porcupines
Photo: Baldur123 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Meriones unguiculatus
Basic stats
Diet
Seeds, grasses, roots and some insects
Habitat
Grassland, shrubland, steppe and semidesert
Range
Northern China, Mongolia and adjoining Russia
Litter size
Usually 4–7
Gestation period
Approximately 24–26 days
Size
11–13.5cm head-and-body length
Weight
60–130g
The Mongolian jird, also called the Mongolian gerbil, is a compact sandy-brown rodent with a hairy tail ending in a darker tuft. Adults measure 11–13.5cm in head-and-body length and weigh 60–130g, with males generally larger. The species occurs in northern China, Mongolia and adjoining Russia. (Wikipedia, general species account)
It inhabits grassland, shrubland, steppe and semidesert, where family groups occupy central burrows with numerous entrances. Seeds, grasses and roots form most of the diet, supplemented by insects. Food is gathered and stored, and animals communicate through scent, calls and rhythmic foot-drumming. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Mongolian Jird eat?
- Seeds, grasses, roots and some insects
- What habitat does the Mongolian Jird live in?
- Grassland, shrubland, steppe and semidesert
- Where is the Mongolian Jird found?
- Northern China, Mongolia and adjoining Russia
- What is the litter size of the Mongolian Jird?
- Usually 4–7
- How long is the gestation period of the Mongolian Jird?
- Approximately 24–26 days
- How big is the Mongolian Jird?
- 11–13.5cm head-and-body length
- How much does the Mongolian Jird weigh?
- 60–130g