Where does the lesser Egyptian jerboa live?
The lesser Egyptian jerboa, or desert jerboa, is a small rodent of Africa and the Middle East. It is sometimes likened to a tiny kangaroo, due to its long hind legs and hopping form of locomotion. It has three toes on each hind foot and a very long tail, used for balance when jumping. It has large eyes and ears and a rather stubby snout, and its coat is a pale or dark sandy colour with a paler underside.
What does the lesser Egyptian jerboa eat?
It is a strictly nocturnal species, feeding on seeds, insects, succulent parts of desert grasses and fungi, desert truffles, which it detects using its acute sense of smell. Amazingly, it does not need to drink in order to survive the arid desert conditions, relying on its food to provide all its water needs. It can travel up to ten kilometres a day in search of food, which it covers easily thanks to its large feet and hopping stride.
Is the lesser Egyptian jerboa endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Its diet consists mainly of seeds and grasses.
