The Long-eared Gerbil: Everything You Need To Know
The long-eared gerbil, endemic to China and Mongolia, is a rodent very similar to the mouse. Some scientists are of the opinion that it could be distantly related to the gerbil. Its tail is twice the length of its body, giving it good balance when running and jumping.
It has long hind legs with large feet and moves like a kangaroo. The soles of the feet are covered in stiff hairs that help travel through the desert. The front legs are relatively small and cannot be used to move.
Species in this family are generally characterized by their incredible jumping adaptations, thought to be an evolutionary strategy to evade predators. The average longevity of this animal is three years.
Behavior of the long-eared gerbil
Because these animals live in parts of China and Mongolia that are so remote, it is difficult for scientists to study them. Therefore, very little is known about this species. All information on their social behavior is taken from data from a few groups and on related species.
These animals are mainly nocturnal and solitary, and it is that they spend the day in the underground burrows that they have excavated, often four different types: a temporary burrow, summer and to cover during the day; a second temporary burrow for hunting at night; and two permanent burrows, one for winter and one for summer.
This species is insectivorous and feeds on flying insects. The way they hunt their food is fun, as they catch their prey by jumping quickly in the air. They get the amount of liquid they need from their food and plants, so they don’t drink water.
Breeding habits
The mating system of the long-eared gerbil could be polygynous, that is, several females for a single male. Mating occurs shortly after coming out of hibernation. The gestation period takes between 25 and 35 days, and females can have two to six young per litter.
Not much is known about the care of the young by the parents, or if they are involved in the rearing of the young gerbils. However, like most mammals, the female long-eared gerbil cares for and cares for her young at least until weaning takes place.
Long-eared gerbil morphology
The length of its tail is approximately 150 millimeters and that of its body is 70 to 90 millimeters. The tail is covered with short hairs that are similar in color to the rest of the body, except for the terminal tuft, which is black and white.
The upperparts are reddish yellow to light reddish, while the belly is white. The hind legs are 40 to 46 millimeters long, with five toes: the lateral two are shorter than the central three, while the central metatarsals are fused by a small distance.
The ears are 1/3 longer than their heads. The incisors are fine and white, and a small premolar can be found on each side of the upper jaw.
Population threats
The greatest threat to the long-eared gerbil is human disturbance to its habitat. A greater number of grazing animals could be a threat in certain areas, as this species would be exposed to a greater number of predators.
However, long-eared gerbils are widely distributed throughout Asia. Currently, a general population estimate is not available and the species is classified as Least Concern.
Some curious facts
The large ears of these animals are believed to be considered an adaptation to the desert. The larger surface area of the ears allows their blood to be cooled: they dissipate heat in high desert temperatures. Long-eared gerbils have a skin flap on the nose, and hair on the ears, to prevent sand from entering.
The long-eared gerbil communicates through vibrations and so-called dust baths, which can be considered a type of chemical communication. This animal uses sounds to pinpoint the location of its prey or predators: owls are one of the most common predators.
