INDIAN GERBILLE

 INDIAN GERBILLE



Local name :Undar, Undarda 

Physical measurements & life cycle: 

Length : 15-17 cm 

Weight : 200-500 gm

Maturity : 23 months 

Gestation : 28-30 days 

Life span : 12 months 

Breeding : Any time of a year 

Description

The gerbil is reddish brown in colour. It can be separated from other rats by hairs on the tail and the tuftal tail. Hind legs are bigger than those common rat. 

Food

Herbivorous. It mainly feeds upon grains, roots, leaves. fruits, and flowers. poo 

Distribution

This species is found in the areas of Junagadh, Rajkot, Sasa Talala and Banaskantha and other drier parts of the state.

Habitat  

Inhabits grassy lands, open forests, wastelands etc. 

Behaviour 

It lives in burrows that are up to 0.3 m to 0.6 m (1-2 ft) deep. It comes out for food after the evening. It escapes into te burrow with the slightest noise. On suspecting danger.  burrow with only one entrance, whereas the female may have more than one. 


Gerbils are also known as antelope-rats. There are many species of gerbils, many of which are associated with deserts/desert-like areas. Their presence can be easily detected by detecting their burrows. It is believed that male and female gerbils have separate burrows. A species named, Indian Desert Gerbil is common in little and great rann of Kachchh. They are more gregarious as compared to Indian gerbils









tag

rodents in india

jerusalem gerbil

indian mouse

indian desert jird

indian bush rat

indian rat types

giant rat india

fox india

Comments