Gerbillinae is one of the subfamilies of the rodent family Muridae and includes the gerbils, jirds, and sand rats. Once known as desert rats, the subfamily includes about 110 species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents, including sand rats and jirds, all of which are adapted to arid habitats.

Gerbil, (subfamily Gerbillinae), any of more than 110 species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents, including sand rats and jirds, all of which are adapted to arid habitats. One Mongolian species (Meriones unguiculatus) is a gentle and hardy animal that has become a popular pet.

Aug 2, 2024 · Gerbils are popular pets that are relatively inexpensive and easy to care for. They are burrowing rodents that come from Africa and Asia. While there are several species of gerbils in the wild, most pets are captive-bred Mongolian gerbils. In …

The Mongolian gerbil or Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus) is a rodent belonging to the subfamily Gerbillinae. [3] Their body size is typically 110–135 mm ( 4 + 1 ⁄ 4 – 5 + 1 ⁄ 4 in), with a 95–120 mm ( 3 + 3 ⁄ 4 – 4 + 3 ⁄ 4 in) tail, and body weight 60–130 g (2– 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 oz), with adult males larger than females. [ 4 ]

The Gerbil is a small member of the rodent family. Some of their closest relatives include the house mouse , brown rat, spiny mouse, and more. Researchers recognize over 100 different species in the Gerbillinae subfamily, but for our purposes we …

Sep 15, 2024 · Gerbils are a popular type of pet for good reason; they’re friendly, social, inquisitive, and overall just amazing creatures! They normally like to be in a same-sex pair or group (unless you want to breed) but you will possibly come across one or …

Feb 27, 2025 · Native to the deserts of Africa, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, gerbils are small rodents with big personalities. While there are 87 known species of gerbils, the Mongolian gerbil (also called the desert rat) is the species most often kept as pets.

May 27, 2024 · Enjoy this expertly researched article on the Gerbil, including where Gerbil s live, what they eat & much more. Now with high-quality pictures.

Gerbils are burrowing rodents that adapted to desert environments in Asia, Africa, and India. There are many species, but the Mongolian gerbil species is most commonly kept as a pet. They are considered to be friendly, active, gentle pets who love to dig and create burrows/tunnels. Gerbils are also intelligent and love to play with toys.

Like all rodents, gerbils come in different shapes and sizes. Gerbil breeds have varying characteristics which set them apart from each other. Here are the eight most common gerbil breeds kept as pets.