|
|
Scientific Name: |
Taterillus sp.
|
Common Name: |
Small naked-soled gerbil
|
|
These tiny gerbils come from Tanzania and are supposed to be a Taterillus species, possibly Taterillus osgoodi (= Taterillus harringtoni)
These Taterillus are very small, even smaller than Gerbillus amoenus! They are about 70 mm, the tail adding another 100-120 mm. They are of a warm orange-red colour, with some brown ticking on their back. The back colour goes down to the outer sides of the front and hind legs. Otherwise the underparts are white. The cheaks and flanks are not as dark as the back colour.
|
|
Taterillus species usually inhibit treeless plains or thorny scrub savannahs. They mainly live in underground burrows.
|
|
|
Maintenance and behaviour in captivity:
|
|
These gerbils definately need to be kept on sand as their fur is pretty thin. They are a little skittish, though not as much as some Tatera species are. Give them enough hiding places, and they will be OK. They feed on small seeds.
They are nocturnal animals.
|
|
