Scientific Name: TATERA INDICA External features: Animals from the genus tatera are called "naked soled gerbils". T. indica also have naked and pigmented hind-feet soles. This is why they are called "nacked soled gerbils" T. indica is as big as a rat, and looks very much like it too. Their tail is almost bare, the tails are very big and pigmented. Their colour is light brown agouti with a white belly. The body is about 15 cm, the tail adds another 20 cm. Distribution: Syria to India, Sri Lanka. Habitat: They live almost everywhere where they can find food. In most areas where they live, they are considered an agricultural pest. They build complex burrow systems with several entrances which are usually plugged with loose soil. The diet consists of roots, bulbs, seeds, green plant materials and insects. T. indica also eat eggs and young birds.  Reproduction: The gestation time is 28 days, litter size is 3-7 pups. They need a lot of space, otherwise they won't breed. Due to their nervous nature, it is hard to breed this species. In the wild they breed all year through. T. indica indica. Maintenance and behaviour in captivity: T. indica is a nocturnal animal. Because of their size, they need a lot of space (100x50cm). They are very shy, nervous and jumpy. They can jump meters high!. They are social animals, and can be kept in groups. But cannibalism is apparently frequent in captive T. indica. In captivity they can reach an age of 7 years. T. indica indica.

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