Jerboas go into hibernation. Where does the big jerboa live? Permanent and temporary burrows

Jerboas belong to the group of rodents. In their group, they are the smallest representatives. The length of an adult individual of different species ranges from 4 to 25 centimeters.

In open desert spaces in Eurasia and Africa. Animals inhabit semi-deserts, deserts, mountains and forest-steppes. The lifestyle of the jerboa is nocturnal, at this time of the day they are looking for food. During the day, the animal sleeps in a mink. The dream of jerboas is very strong, even if you take it in your hands, it will not wake up immediately. Burrows in jerboas are of different purposes: rescue, temporary and permanent. The first type of burrows jerboa digs 10-20 centimeters deep. The temporary hole is already more complicated, its length is from 20 to 50 centimeters. In it the animal spends daytime sleep. The permanent hole has a more complex design than all the previous ones. It consists of several spare passages, and if someone starts to dig one of the passages, then the jerboa, fleeing, will leave the mink through the emergency entrance.

In winter, many of the species hibernate and wake up only at the end of March or at the beginning of April.

In search of food, the animal goes out after sunset, and returns with its sunrise.

What do jerboas eat?

Jerboas are omnivores. The diet of a rodent consists of roots and bulbs of plants, sunflower seeds, melon, watermelon, pumpkin, cereals, dandelion leaves. From animals, he prefers insects, butterflies, grasshoppers, worms and crickets. Some types of jerboas eat small birds.

What to feed a jerboa?

If you decide to have a jerboa at home, then you must definitely know how to feed it. Feed for the animal must be selected the same as it eats in nature. It is impossible to include food that a person consumes in the diet. At home, it is better to feed the jerboa with seeds of pumpkin, sunflower, melon, watermelon. From vegetables potatoes, beets, carrots. Fruits are apples and pears. In winter, it is also necessary to include thin branches of willow, maple and aspen in the diet. In addition to plant foods, insects must also be included in jerboa food so that the food is complete.

Jerboas are easy to recognize among other animals, as they have a rather unique appearance - they have a small stature, a short body, long ears and very long and powerful hind legs. There is also a long tail, which can be longer than the body.

Family: Jerboas

Class: Mammals

Suborder: Mouse-like

Order: Rodents

Type: Chordates

Kingdom: Animals

Domain: Eukaryotes

Jerboa lifestyle

Most often, these rodents live alone, but sometimes live in groups. Jerboas are mostly nocturnal animals, but there are also species that are awake during the day. They live in burrows. Nocturnal animals in burrows spend all day closing the entrance to the burrow to keep cool and moist. They can jump up to 3 meters in height. They move quickly with the help of strong legs and a long tail, which serves as a kind of rudder and balancer for them.

Jerboas have temporary and permanent burrows, which are also divided into winter and summer ones. Permanent burrows have several exits. In case of danger, they escape from the hole through emergency exits. Some species hibernate in winter. An interesting fact is that the fat in jerboas is in the tail, which they use during hibernation.

Animal jerboa video

Jerboa breeding

Jerboas breed in spring and summer. From 1 to 3 litters are brought per year. On average, pregnancy lasts, depending on the species, from 25 to 45 days. From 1 to 8 cubs are born. Life expectancy in nature is about 3 years.

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The large jerboa belongs to the genus of earthen hares. It is the largest among jerboas. As a species, the large jerboa is distributed almost throughout Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan and the southern regions of Western Siberia. The large jerboa lives in a territory that captures the steppe, adjacent to forests, areas and semi-deserts.

Types of jerboas (video)

Exist different types jerboas, which can be grouped according to the structure of their legs, ears and tail length into the following large groups:

1. Upland jerboa has a body up to 14 cm in size, and its tail length reaches 0.15 m. It lives in a semi-desert area. The head is large, the ears are short. The upland jerboa on its paws has bristles of hair. Likes to hide in dunes. Moves by jumping or running. A burrow dug by an animal can be 7-8 m long. It feeds on plant tubers that it pulls out of the soil.
2. long-eared jerboa has huge ears and a very long tail with a black and white tassel. He has a pointed muzzle and a long mustache. Lives in the Gobi Desert. The body length is 9 cm, and the ears are 50 mm. The size of the tail approaches 15 cm. The hind limbs are 3.5-4 times larger than the front ones. The long-eared jerboa is colored yellow. Leads a hidden, nocturnal lifestyle. It is listed in the Red Book as one of the rare species of animals.

A domestic jerboa is an animal caught in the steppe or desert., which is kept in a cage, because if it is released, it will start running around the apartment, and the owner simply cannot catch it. It tries to dig minks, and if it is not followed, it can escape. The aviary for him must have high sides (at least 50-60 cm), otherwise he will jump over it. It should be noted that this animal is a rodent. He can eat at home with cereals, plants (especially loves their roots and bulbs). In order for the animal to get used to the owner, you just need to live in it in one room. The jerboa does not like being stroked or trying to play with it, as it is a solitary animal.

Jerboas belong to the group of mammalian rodents, in company with mice and hares. The animals have excellent adaptive parameters, they can adapt to various climatic conditions. Where do jerboas live? Their habitat is quite wide, ranging from the steppe and desert areas, ending with the Arctic latitudes. Let us consider in more detail the features of these animals, as well as the features of keeping at home.

Description

The animals in question, depending on the species, can have body sizes ranging from 4 to 25 centimeters. Large individuals do not exist in nature. Where jerboas of one group live, other populations can rarely be found. Animals have a rather long tail (7-30 centimeters). Its configuration and length varies depending on the type and size of the individual. Often there is a brush at the tip of the tail, which serves to stabilize the animal during a fast run.

The head of the rodent is large, the neck is almost invisible, the muzzle is slightly flattened, the ears are rounded and large. The size and shape of this body provides good heat transfer during intensive and long-term movement. A sparse bristle grows on the ears.

The eyes are also quite large, the body is covered with a soft and dense fur layer of beige or brown color. The number of teeth is from 16 to 18 pieces. The incisors of the animals are used to grind solid food and loosen the soil when arranging holes. The crushed soil is removed with the help of paws.

Peculiarities

If you visit the places where jerboas live in winter, you will not see them. The fact is that rodents hibernate from late September to March. Animals are excellent runners, their hind limbs are well developed, 2-4 times longer than the front legs, depending on the species.

Some members of the family move on all four legs, unless they go into running mode. The length of the jump in jerboas can reach three meters. In the process of evolution, the metatarsal bones of the hind legs have fused into one process, and the lateral toes have completely atrophied. The short forelimbs have sharp and long claws.

When maneuvering at high speed, jerboas use their tail as a steering device, and it also helps to stabilize the body while jumping. This organ contains a fat reserve that allows you to calmly survive hibernation or hungry periods.

Lifestyle

In those regions where jerboas live, a representative of the family of “large” rodents is considered the record holder for speed. Despite the most outstanding dimensions among relatives (up to 50 cm and a weight of about 300 g), it can accelerate to 50 km / h.

The change of habitat regions from west to east is characterized by a change in the body color of the jerboa, and from north to south - a decrease in the size of the rodent with an increase in the size of the ears. The animal in question is nocturnal, as evidenced by large eyes and ears, helping to navigate in the dark, catching the slightest rustle.

As a rule, the animals leave their holes 30 minutes after sunset, at night they look for food, overcoming several kilometers. They return to their dwelling about an hour before dawn, sleep during the day.

Where does the big jerboa live and what does it eat?

Individuals of this species are found in the forest-steppes and in the north of the desert areas of Western Siberia, as well as in Kazakhstan, Altai and some regions of Eastern Europe. It is worth noting that large jerboas carry dangerous diseases, including: plague, Q fever, tularemia. These animals are good diggers, they can inhabit deserts, spend the night mainly in burrows. In the wild, animals are solitary, communicating with relatives only during the mating season.

Next, consider where the jerboa lives (the animal, the photo of which is presented below). This rodent belongs to the long-eared family, has a small size (up to 25 centimeters with the tail). Long ears reach almost to the lower back, eyes are slightly smaller than those of other individuals.

Judging by the structure of the skeleton, this species is quite ancient, since it has characteristic primitive features. The main habitat is deserts with thickets of saxaul. The animals in question are very curious and often visit the tents of tourists.

reproduction

Regardless of the habitat where jerboas live, after hibernation in late March or early April, mating games begin in all species. The female brings one or two broods per year, each litter can have up to eight cubs.

Small jerboas hatch for about 25 days. They live with their mother for up to two months, after which they leave to feed themselves. Puberty in animals is reached at the age of two years. The average life expectancy of rodents in the wild is no more than 3 years. This is due to the presence of a large number of natural enemies. In captivity, the life span of animals increases significantly.

Where do jerboas live and what do they eat?

The diet of the animal in question includes both plant foods and organic feed. Animals forage for root crops, vegetables, grains and roots. Along with this, rodents love to eat larvae, insects and worms. Switching from vegetable to animal food and vice versa is not a problem.

For home maintenance, jerboas need to create an appropriate diet. Feed must be selected as close as possible to natural food. It is strongly not recommended to feed animals with food that a person eats. The jerboa is suitable for pumpkin, watermelon, melon seeds, as well as apples and pears. In winter, you need to add sprigs of maple, willow, aspen to the diet. Also diversify your food with larvae and insects to optimize your diet.

Other types

Where the jerboa lives and the features of its existence largely depend on the type of animal. There are five varieties in total:

1. Yemaranchik.
2. Five-fingered jerboa.
3. Jumper.
4. Earth hare.
5. Long-eared jerboa.

For example, a jumper grows up to 20 centimeters in length, has a flattened elongated muzzle, large five-fingered limbs and huge ears. The color of the animal is yellowish with gray tint. The tail is well developed, painted black with a white tip. Unlike other species, the jumper has a narrower head, and some fingers have specific combs with sparse bristles. There is a barely noticeable ripple on the back.

To keep a jerboa in captivity, it is necessary to make a hole so that the animal can have its own reliable shelter. The animals are clean, do not litter the dwelling with waste and garbage. Be sure to place a clean drinking bowl with water and a sufficient amount of food in the fence. You should not keep the jerboa in a cramped cage, as he likes to run a lot. If this is not possible, it is better not to start this animal.

Today, jerboas are a fairly common animal that not only lives in the wild, but is also kept at home. When you look at these animals, natural questions may arise, for example, about what jerboas eat and where these crumbs live, what their lifestyle is and how to keep them in an apartment.

Short description

This animal has a small stature, depending on the species, its body can be from 5 cm to 25. Compared to the body, the head of the animal looks large, and the muzzle has a blunt shape. The eyes of the jerboa are attractive large sizes. Also surprising is his tail, which is longer than the body and often ends with a brush. The hind limbs of these babies are very developed, they are designed for powerful jumps. The front legs, on the contrary, are very short and adapted only for digging minks and holding food near the mouth. Its round, often large ears indicate good hearing, which allows the jerboa to survive in the wild. This mammalian species belongs to the order called "rodents". Jerboas have sharp incisors, which serve them not only to gnaw hard cereals, but also to build minks. Their external characteristics are somewhat reminiscent of kangaroos. They also move on their hind limbs, but it is curious that these babies are able to reach speeds of up to 50 km / h, and they can jump up to three meters up. According to modern data, there are 26 species of jerboas.

Where do they live

Usually these animals are distributed in only certain subspecies live in the steppe zone. Others prefer to live in high mountains. Depending on the territory in which the animal is distributed, each species has adapted to special soil and conditions. Also, the habitat is reflected in what the jerboa eats. These animals live in homemade minks. They spend the whole day in their shelters and only with the onset of twilight get out of the shelter. Returning to their homes at early dawn, they close the “door” behind them, which is made of earth. It is interesting that minks have spare moves. If someone finds a dwelling on a fresh cork and starts digging it, the jerboa pops up in an unexpected place, breaking through the roof of the cave with its head. The residential mink is located in the far part of the main passage; it is usually covered with small grass, on which the animal rests after night travels.

Food

It has already been noted that this rodent is a night traveler. At this time, he goes out in search of food. But what does a jerboa living in a flat area eat? Usually, in order to obtain the necessary trace elements, the animal eats insects, larvae, it is also in search of bulbs and tubers of plants and is not averse to feasting on their seeds. In deserts, the rodent searches for shrubs and other possible plants in order to use the stems found as food. It is worth mentioning the pygmy fat-tailed jerboas. If they are planted in one terrarium, they quarrel strongly, and it happens that the strongest eats the affected one. Therefore, before planting several individuals in a cage, you should find out what species your jerboa belongs to. What the animal, common on the plain, eats, we found out. But how do those who prefer to live in mountainous areas survive? These animals are also on the lookout for any vegetation that may be on the peaks. Roots and green parts are used. Usually this food is enough for them to live a full life.

Animal life

If in summer this rodent tries to find food, then in winter it usually does not have to take care of it. At this time, he is in his prepared mink and sleeps soundly. In the spring, weddings begin at jerboas, and offspring appear by summer. An average of four babies are born into the world, but in general this number varies from 1 to 8. And what does a jerboa eat until it can find food on its own? At first, the mother takes care of the baby, providing him with milk, but after a few days, the baby can switch to herbal nutrition and even insects (of course, if this species consumes protein in this form).

The jerboa simply cannot but attract with its appearance, so some decide to have such a pet in their apartment. But it is worth remembering that this animal requires special conditions of detention. You also need to remember that some wild animals need a lot of space, and the jerboa belongs to this species. What the baby eats and what kind of soil he needs can be determined if you know how he lives in the wild. Since this rodent has very bouncy hind legs, it needs a place to “roam around”, otherwise it will begin to suffer pain and may die. But it is worth remembering that it is undesirable to let the animal walk around the apartment on its own, because it will hide in a hard-to-reach place and can not only ruin the furniture, but also gnaw the wall. If the baby nevertheless “ran away”, you need to catch it carefully so as not to grab it by the tail, otherwise it may lose it forever. Ideally, if you put your pet in a large aquarium covered with a grate (1.2 by 0.25 meters). If the baby is accustomed to the sandy terrain, the bottom is covered with sand by one third, a layer of turf is suitable for other species. It is worth finding out what the jerboa eats in its range, and try to feed it the same. It is impossible to accustom a rodent to human food. He can be given mixtures of cereals, non-exotic fruits and vegetables. Be sure to feed him sunflowers, melons, dandelion leaves. You can put your pet thin twigs of maple or willow. Also, there should always be water in the terrarium.