Tamarisk Jird

The tamarisk jird, or tamarisk gerbil, is a fairly large rodent, with adults weighing 100–140g. It is found in China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It breeds between March and October, usually producing two to three litters, and reaches sexual maturity at about 70 days (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is nocturnal and strictly solitary. It is poorly adapted to digest cellulose and mainly feeds on young leaves and other plant matter, and it needs large amounts of water. Young jirds first leave their burrows between May and June and disperse quickly, rarely interacting with their siblings or mother (Wikipedia, general species account).