Where does the Mongolian gerbil live?
The Mongolian gerbil inhabits grassland, shrubland and desert, including semidesert and steppes in China, Mongolia and Russia. The soil on the steppes is sandy and covered with grasses, herbs and shrubs. The steppes have cool, dry winters and hot summers. Its natural habitat is in the semi-desert regions of north-eastern China and Mongolia.
What does the Mongolian gerbil eat?
In the wild, these gerbils live in patriarchal groups, generally consisting of one parental pair, the most recent litter and a few older pups. Their body size is typically 110 to 135 mm, with a 95 to 120 mm tail, and body weight 60 to 130 g, with adult males larger than females.
Is the Mongolian gerbil endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Its use in science dates back to the later half of the 19th century, but that use has fallen out of favour. It is also kept as a small house pet: in the English-speaking world since 1954, when it was brought to the United States. In France, it is legally considered a domestic animal.
