Sundevall's jird (Meriones crassus) is a species of rodent in the family of Muridae. It is found in Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Pakistan, Morocco, Niger, Palestine, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Western Sahara, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and possibly Mali. Its natural habitat is hot deserts.[1]
Description
Sundevall's jird is a medium-sized gerbilline rodent with an average mass of about 100 g (3.53 oz).[2] They can range in sizes depending on sex. The average length (not including the tail) is about 15 cm (5.91 in).[3] Their tails can be as long as their bodies. Sundevall's jird has a soft, fine, light brown fur, with a lighter underbelly.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The Sundevall's jird is found in dry habitats like deserts across northern Africa.[3] It can be found in rocky areas, but prefers sand-like soil.[3] They create burrows in the sand where they create nests.[4]
Reproduction
Like any mammal, the Sundevall's jird cares for its offspring by producing milk. Being a relatively small mammal, the Sundevall's jird must intake an increased amount of calories in order to produce enough milk.[4] Gestation can last between 18 and 22 days and they give birth to between 2 and 7 pups.[4] Young are born without fur, are blind, and have very long whiskers.[3] The breeding season for Sundevall's jird is from January to September, with peak times from February to May.[4]
Parasites
The Sundevall's jird can be occupied by a variety of parasites, especially species of fleas.[2] It has been found that male Sundevall's jird harbor more species of parasites than females do, which is still being studied.[2] Along with parasites come the parasites of parasites, in this case bacteria. Bacteria can be transmitted to the Sundevall's jird by the flea biting the rodent.[5]
References
Bibliography
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