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Scientific Name: |
MERIONES LIBYCUS |
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The Libyan Jird is about the same size as the Mongolian Gerbil, an average body length of 14.5 cm with a tail of about the same size. They weigh about 84 grams.
The Libyan's head is more narrow though.
In colour the Libyan Jird looks faded compared to its Mongolian nephew.
The back colour is dark yellowish brown, with an orange band along the sides and a white belly. Most hairs have a grey base. The ears are not pigmented. The tail has the same colour as the back, with an orangish base. The tail brush is black, on the upper surface of the tail this black tip covers about one-third of the tail..
The foot-soles are partly covered with hairs and not pigmented, whereas the claws are black coloured.
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They are widely spread and not only living in Libya, as their name would presume. They live in Iran, Azerbaijan SSR, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, western desert of Egypt and Libya.
The Libyan Jirds kept in Germany and The Netherlands originate from the Russian area.
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Meriones libycus are limited to valleys and low-lying areas, they avoid steep mountain slopes or rocky regions at higher heights.
They are often found in sandy plains with patches of bushy vegetation and the edges of cultivation in the broader valleys.
Libyan jirds do not seal the entrance of their burrow, they often dig their borrows in the firmer soil around roots of bushes. These burrow systems are very extensive and may have two or more entrances.
In the wild Libyan jirds eat various grass seeds and fruits of cactus species and some leaves. They also dig up and eat bulbs of Allium, Scill and Tulipa species. In cultivated areas they often damage tomato and potato crops.
It is believed that for a short time in winter Libyan jirds remain underground in a relatively inactive state.
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Libyan jirds reproduce very irregular, there is often aggressive behaviour between a pair. Because of stress litters often disappear.
A young M.libycus.
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Maintenance and behaviour in captivity:
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The Libyan jird needs about the same caring as the Mongolian jird.
Although, breeding this species is very hard, as they are very aggressive among their species. When the group becomes too big (more than 4 animals) fighting will occur.
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