Difference between revisions of "Gerbil" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{ready}}
 
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{{alternateuses}}
 
 
{{Taxobox
 
{{Taxobox
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| color = pink
 
 
| name = Gerbil
 
| name = Gerbil
 
| fossil_range = Late [[Miocene]] - Recent
 
| fossil_range = Late [[Miocene]] - Recent
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| image = Pachyuromys-duprasi PeterMaas.jpg
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| image = Gerbil.JPG
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| image_caption = ''[[Pachyuromys duprasi]]''
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| image_width = 250px
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| image_width = 250px  
 
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
 
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
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| subdivision_ranks = [[Genus|Genera]]
 
| subdivision_ranks = [[Genus|Genera]]
 
| subdivision =  
 
| subdivision =  
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''[[Gerbillus]]''<br/>
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''[[Ammodile|Ammodillus]]''<br>
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''[[Microdillus]]''<br/>
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''[[Przewalski's Gerbil|Brachiones]]''<br>
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''[[Meriones (genus)|Meriones]]''<br/>
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''[[Pouched Gerbil|Desmodilliscus]]''<br>
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''[[Rhombomys]]''<br/>
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''[[Cape Short-Eared Gerbil|Desmodillus]]''<br>
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''[[Psammomys]]''<br/>
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''[[Dipodillus]]''<br>
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''[[Sekeetamys]]''<br/>
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''[[Gerbilliscus]]''<br>
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''[[Brachiones]]''<br/>
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''[[Gerbillurus]]''<br>
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''[[Desmodilliscus]]''<br/>
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''[[Gerbillus]]''<br>
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''[[Pachyuromys]]''<br/>
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''[[Meriones (genus)|Meriones]]''<br>
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''[[Tatera]]''<br/>
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''[[Somali Pygmy Gerbil|Microdillus]]''<br>
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''[[Taterillus]]''<br/>
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''[[Fat-tailed Gerbil|Pachyuromys]]''<br>
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''[[Desmodillus]]''<br/>
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''[[Psammomys]]''<br>
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''[[Gerbillurus]]''<br/>
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''[[Great Gerbil|Rhombomys]]''<br>
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''[[Ammodillus]]''
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''[[Bushy-tailed Jird|Sekeetamys]]''<br>
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''[[Indian Gerbil|Tatera]]''<br>
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''[[Taterillus]]''
 
}}
 
}}
  
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A '''gerbil''' is a small [[mammal]] of the order [[Rodent]]ia. Once known simply as "'''desert rats'''," the gerbil subfamily includes about 110 species of [[Africa]]n, [[India]]n, and [[Asia]]n rodents, including sand rats and [[jird]]s, all of which are adapted to arid habitats. Most are primarily [[Diurnal animal|diurnal]]{{Fact|date=June 2007}} (though some, including the common household pet, do exhibit [[crepuscular]] behavior), and almost all are [[omnivore|omnivorous]].
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A '''gerbil''' is a small mammal of the order [[Rodent]]ia. Once known simply as "'''desert rats'''", the gerbil subfamily includes about 110 species of [[Africa]]n, [[India]]n, and [[Asia]]n rodents, including sand rats and [[meriones (genus)|jird]]s, all of which are adapted to arid habitats. Most are primarily [[Diurnality|diurnal]] <ref>[http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Gerbillinae.html]</ref> (though some, including the common household pet, do exhibit [[crepuscular]] behavior), and almost all are [[omnivore|omnivorous]].
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[[Image:George's skull1.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Gerbil [[skull]]]]
 
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The word "gerbil" is a diminutive form of "[[jerboa]]," though the jerboas are an unrelated group of rodents occupying a similar [[ecological niche]].
 
  
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One [[Mongolia]]n species, ''[[Meriones unguiculatus]]'', also known as the Clawed Jird, is a gentle and hardy animal that has become a popular [[pet]]. It was first brought to the [[United States]] in 1954 by Dr. [[Victor Schwentker]] for use in research.<ref>V. Schwentker. "The Gerbil. A new laboratory animal." ''Ill Vet'' 6(1963):5-9.</ref>
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The word "gerbil" is a diminutive form of "[[jerboa]]", though the jerboas are an unrelated group of rodents occupying a similar [[ecological niche]].
  
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Gerbils are typically between six and twelve inches (150 to 300 mm) long, including the tail which makes up approximately one half of their total length. One species however, the Great Gerbil, or ''[[Rhombomys opimus]]'', originally native to [[Turkmenistan]], can grow to more than 16 inches (400 mm) in length. The average adult gerbil weighs approximately 2 1/2 ounces. As of August 19, 2003, officials in western [[China]]'s [[Xinjiang|Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]] began releasing [[eagle]]s to combat the damage they say the great gerbils have done to eleven million acres (46,000 km²) of grassland.[http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/east/08/19/china.gerbils.reut/]
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One [[Mongolia]]n species, ''[[Meriones unguiculatus]]'', also known as the clawed jird, is a gentle and hardy animal that has become a popular [[pet]]. It was first brought from China to Paris, France in the 19th century, and became a popular house pet.<ref>http://www.huisdiereninfo.nl/content/gerbils.php</ref>  It was then brought to the [[United States]] in 1954 by Dr. Victor Schwentker for use in research.<ref>Schwentker, V. "The Gerbil. A new laboratory animal." ''Ill Vet'' 6: 5-9, 1963.</ref>
  
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Pet gerbils have an average lifespan of 2 to 4 years. Some have been known to live five or six years
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Gerbils are typically between six and 12 inches (150 and 300&nbsp;mm) long, including the tail, which makes up about one-half of their total length. One species, the [[great gerbil]], or ''Rhombomys opimus'', originally native to [[Turkmenistan]], can grow to more than 16&nbsp;inches (400&nbsp;mm). The average adult gerbil weighs about 2.5 oz. (70 g).<!-- As of August 19, 2003, officials in western [[China]]'s [[Xinjiang|Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]] began releasing [[eagle]]s to combat the damage they say the Great Gerbils have done to eleven million acres (46,000&nbsp;km²) of grassland.<ref>Deng Shasha‏, [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/25/content_11069532.htm China's booming gerbil population put on the pill], Xinhua News Agency, 25/3/2009</ref>
 +
<ref>Nick McMaster, [http://www.newser.com/story/54371/china-uses-the-pill-to-stop-gerbil-overpopulation.html China Uses 'the Pill' to Stop Gerbil Overpopulation], NEWSER, 25/3/2009</ref>—>
 +
 
 +
==Behavior==
 +
[[Image:A young gerbil.jpg|thumb|300px|A young gerbil sitting by the food bowl to eat]]
 +
Gerbils are social animals, and live in groups in the wild.<ref>http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2107+2254&aid=1622</ref> They rely on their sense of smell to identify other members of their clan, so it is important to use what is commonly referred to as the "split tank method" when introducing gerbils from separate litters. Gerbils are known to attack and often kill those carrying an unfamiliar scent.<ref>http://www.egerbil.com/splittank.html</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Classification==
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'''SUBFAMILY GERBILLINAE'''
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*'''Tribe [[Ammodillini]]'''
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**Genus ''[[Ammodillus]]''
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***[[Ammodile]], ''Ammodillus imbellis''
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*'''Tribe [[Desmodilliscini]]'''
 +
**Genus ''[[Desmodilliscus]]''
 +
***[[Pouched gerbil]], ''Desmodilliscus braueri''
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**Genus ''[[Pachyuromys]]''
 +
***Fat-tailed gerbil, ''Pachyuromys duprasi''
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*'''Tribe [[Gerbillini]]'''
 +
**Subtribe [[Gerbillina]]
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***Genus ''[[Dipodillus]]''
 +
****[[Botta's gerbil]], ''Dipodillus bottai''
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****[[North African gerbil]], ''Dipodillus campestris''
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****[[Wagner's gerbil]], ''Dipodillus dasyurus''
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****[[Harwood's gerbil]], ''Dipodillus harwoodi''
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****[[James's gerbil]], ''Dipodillus jamesi''
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****[[Lowe's gerbil]], ''Dipodillus lowei''
 +
****[[Mackilligin's gerbil]], ''Dipodillus mackilligini''
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****[[Greater short-tailed gerbil]], ''Dipodillus maghrebi''
 +
****[[Rupicolous gerbil]], ''Dipodillus rupicola''
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****[[Lesser short-tailed gerbil]], ''Dipodillus simoni''
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****[[Somalian gerbil]], ''Dipodillus somalicus''
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****[[Khartoum gerbil]], ''Dipodillus stigmonyx''
 +
****[[Kerkennah Islands gerbil]], ''Dipodillus zakariai''
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***Genus ''[[Gerbillus]]''
 +
****Subgenus ''[[Hendecapleura]]''
 +
*****[[Pleasant gerbil]], ''Gerbillus amoenus''
 +
*****[[Brockman's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus brockmani''
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*****[[Black-tufted gerbil]], ''Gerbillus famulus''
 +
*****[[Algerian gerbil]], ''Gerbillus garamantis''
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*****[[Grobben's Gerbil|Grobben's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus grobbeni''
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*****[[Pygmy Gerbil|Pygmy gerbil]], ''Gerbillus henleyi''
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*****[[Mauritian gerbil]], ''Gerbillus mauritaniae'' (sometimes considered a separate genus ''Monodia'')
 +
*****[[Harrison's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus mesopotamiae''
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*****[[Barfur gerbil]], ''Gerbillus muriculus''
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*****[[Balochistan gerbil]], ''Gerbillus nanus''
 +
*****[[Large Aden gerbil]], ''Gerbillus poecilops''
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*****[[Principal gerbil]], ''Gerbillus principulus''
 +
*****[[Least gerbil]], ''Gerbillus pusillus''
 +
*****[[Sand gerbil]], ''Gerbillus syrticus''
 +
*****[[Vivacious gerbil]], ''Gerbillus vivax'' (may be ''G. amoenus'' or ''G. nanus'')
 +
*****[[Waters's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus watersi''
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****Subgenus ''[[Gerbillus (subgenus)|Gerbillus]]''
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*****[[Berbera gerbil]], ''Gerbillus acticola''
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*****[[Agag gerbil]], ''Gerbillus agag''
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*****[[Anderson's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus andersoni''
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*****[[Swarthy gerbil]], ''Gerbillus aquilus''
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*****[[Burton's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus burtoni''
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*****[[Cheesman's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus cheesmani''
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*****[[Dongola gerbil]], ''Gerbillus dongolanus''
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*****[[Somalia Gerbil|Somalia gerbil]], ''Gerbillus dunni''
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*****[[Flower's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus floweri''
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*****[[Lesser gerbil]], ''Gerbillus gerbillus''
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*****[[Indian hairy-footed gerbil]], ''Gerbillus gleadowi''
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*****[[Western gerbil]], ''Gergbillus hesperinus''
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*****[[Hoogstraal's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus hoogstraali''
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*****[[Lataste's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus latastei''
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*****[[Sudan gerbil]], ''Gerbillus nancillus''
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*****[[Nigerian gerbil]], ''Gerbillus nigeriae''
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*****[[Occidental gerbil]], ''Gerbillus occiduus''
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*****[[Pale gerbil]], ''Gerbillus perpallidus''
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*****[[Cushioned gerbil]], ''Gerbillus pulvinatus''
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*****[[Greater Egyptian gerbil]], ''Gerbillus pyramidum''
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*****[[Rosalinda gerbil]], ''Gerbillus rosalinda''
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*****[[Tarabul's gerbil]], ''Gerbillus tarabuli''
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***Genus ''[[Microdillus]]''
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****[[Somali Pygmy Gerbil]], ''Microdillus peeli''
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**Subtribe [[Rhombomyina]]
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***Genus ''[[Brachiones]]''
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****[[Przewalski's gerbil]], ''Brachiones przewalskii''
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***Genus ''[[Meriones (genus)|Meriones]]''
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****Subgenus ''[[Meriones (subgenus)|Meriones]]''
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*****[[Tamarisk jird]], ''Meriones tamariscinus''
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****Subgenus ''[[Parameriones]]''
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*****[[Persian jird]], ''Meriones persicus''
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*****[[King jird]], ''Meriones rex''
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****Subgenus ''[[Pallasiomys]]''
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*****[[Arabian jird]], ''Meriones arimalius''
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*****[[Cheng's jird]], ''Meriones chengi''
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*****[[Sundevall's jird]], ''Meriones crassus''
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*****[[Dahl's jird]], ''Meriones dahli''
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*****[[Moroccan jird]], ''Meriones grandis''
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*****[[Libyan jird]], ''Meriones libycus''
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*****[[Midday jird]], ''Meriones meridianus''
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*****[[Buxton's jird]], ''Meriones sacramenti''
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*****[[Shaw's jird]], ''Meriones shawi''
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*****[[Tristram's jird]], ''Meriones tristrami''
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*****[[Mongolian jird]] (Mongolian Gerbil), ''Meriones unguiculatus''
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*****[[Vinogradov's jird]], ''Meriones vinogradovi''
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*****[[Zarudny's jird]], ''Meriones zarudnyi''
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****Subgenus ''[[Cheliones]]''
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*****[[Indian desert jird]], ''Meriones hurrianae''
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***Genus ''[[Psammomys]]''
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****[[Sand rat]], ''Psammomys obesus''
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****[[Thin sand rat]], ''Psammomys vexillaris''
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***Genus ''[[Rhombomys]]''
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****[[Great gerbil]], ''Rhombomys opimus''
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**''[[incertae sedis]]''
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***Genus ''[[Sekeetamys]]''
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****[[Bushy-tailed jird]], ''Sekeetamys calurus''
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*'''Tribe [[Gerbillurini]]'''
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**Genus ''[[Desmodillus]]''
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***[[Cape short-eared gerbil]], ''Desmodillus auricularis''
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**Genus ''[[Gerbilliscus]]''
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***[[Cape gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus afra''
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***[[Boehm's gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus boehmi''
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***[[Highveld gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus brantsii''
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***[[Guinean gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus guineae''
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***[[Gorongoza gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus inclusus''
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***[[Kemp's gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus kempi''
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***[[Bushveld gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus leucogaster''
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***[[Black-tailed gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus nigricaudus''
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***[[Phillips's gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus phillipsi''
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***[[Fringe-tailed gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus robustus''
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***[[Savanna gerbil]], ''Gerbilliscus validus''
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**Genus ''[[Gerbillurus]]''
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***[[Hairy-footed gerbil]], ''Gerbillurus paeba''
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***[[Namib brush-tailed gerbil]], ''Gerbillurus setzeri''
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***[[Dune hairy-footed gerbil]], ''Gerbillurus tytonis''
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***[[Bushy-tailed hairy-footed gerbil]], ''Gerbillurus vallinus''
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**Genus ''[[Tatera]]''
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***[[Indian gerbil]], ''Tatera indica''
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*'''Tribe [[Taterillini]]'''
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**Genus ''[[Taterillus]]''
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***[[Robbins's tateril]], ''Taterillus arenarius''
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***[[Congo gerbil]], ''Taterillus congicus''
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***[[Emin's gerbil]], ''Taterillus emini''
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***[[Gracile tateril]], ''Taterillus gracilis''
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***[[Harrington's gerbil]], ''Taterillus harringtoni''
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***[[Lake Chad gerbil]], ''Taterillus lacustris''
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***[[Petter's gerbil]], ''Taterillus petteri''
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***[[Senegal gerbil]], ''Taterillus pygargus''
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***[[Tranieri's tateril]], ''Taterillus tranieri''
  
 
==Gerbils as pets==
 
==Gerbils as pets==
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Gerbils were first introduced to the pet industry in 1964. These were the Mongolian gerbils. Their value as pets was soon appreciated and they are now found in pet shops all over the UK and USA.
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Gerbils were first introduced to the pet industry in 1964. These were the [[Mongolia]]n gerbils. Their value as pets was soon appreciated and they are now found in pet shops all over the UK and USA.
 +
Due to the threat they pose to indigenous ecosystems and existing agricultural operations, it is illegal to purchase, import, or keep a gerbil as a pet in the US state of [[California]].<ref>See 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 671(c)(2)(J). The prohibition imposed by the California Fish and Game Commission also applies to all other members of order Rodentia, except for "domesticated races" of rats, mice, golden hamsters, guinea pigs, and chinchillas.</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Housing in captivity==
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A common misunderstanding when purchasing a home for pet gerbils is they can live in housing designed for [[hamsters]] and [[mice]]. This is not correct, as they need to be able to dig tunnel systems, rather than have them created for them. The commonly plastic structure of hamster and mouse cages is inappropriate for gerbils due to their ability to gnaw through it very quickly. Plastic can cause serious health issues for the animal if ingested, therefore many owners refrain from having any plastic in the tank and rely entirely on wooden toys.<ref>http://egerbil.com/tanks.html</ref> Information from gerbil societies from throughout the globe is conflicting with regards to tank sizing. However, a common minimum given appears to be 10 imperial gallons per gerbil.<ref>http://www.egerbil.com/housing.html</ref>
  
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It is illegal to purchase, import or keep a gerbil as a pet in the U.S. State of California. [http://www.agsgerbils.org/State_laws.html#california]
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==Mating==
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Gerbils will mate for several hours, in frequent short bursts followed by short chases, when the female allows the male to catch her. Once he catches her, the female will squeak and make flick motions to get the male off her. Males will not attack females except in rare circumstances, which may also include them having been separated from their original mates, or widowed. A female may attack a male, but usually he is more than a match for her.<ref>http://www.gerbilbreeding.com/mating.htm</ref>
  
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=== Reasons for popularity ===
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==Reasons for popularity==
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There are several reasons for the popularity of gerbils are household pets. The animals are typically non-aggressive, and they rarely bite unprovoked or without stress. They are small and easy to handle, since they are sociable creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other gerbils.<ref name="GIP-behaviour">Karen van Veen(ed.).  [http://www.gerbil-info.com/html/behave1.htm "Behaviour"]. ''The Gerbil Information Page''. Dutch Gerbil Study Group. Gerbil Genetics Group(Nov. 2001). Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref><ref name="AGS-handbook">[http://agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/index.html "Gerbil Care Handbook"]. ''The American Gerbil Society''. Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref> Gerbils also have adapted their kidneys to produce a minimum of waste to conserve body fluids which makes them very clean with little odor.  
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The several reasons for the popularity of gerbils as household pets include: The animals are typically not aggressive, and they rarely bite unprovoked or without stress. They are small and easy to handle, since they are sociable creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other gerbils.<ref name="GIP-behaviour">''[http://www.gerbil-info.com/html/behave1.htm Behaviour]''. The Gerbil Information Page. Ed. Karin van Veen. Nov. 2001. Dutch Gerbil Study Group. Gerbil Genetics Group.</ref><ref name="AGS-handbook">
 +
''[http://agsgerbils.org/Gerbil_Care_Handbook/index.html Gerbil Care Handbook]''. The American Gerbil Society.</ref> Gerbils also have adapted their kidneys to produce a minimum of waste to conserve body fluids, which makes them very clean with little odor.
  
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The pets are incredibly industrious and will explore new environments, and they will build, construct, and enjoy elaborate networks of tunnels if given an environment that allows for it. This is easily observable as gerbils are active during all hours of the day, as opposed to the more [[nocturnal]] rodent pets. They can "recycle" everyday paper-based items, such as cardboard products and brown paper bags, into toys and nesting material.
+
==Health concerns==
  
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===Health concerns===
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===Teeth problems===
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====Teeth problems====
+
Misalignment of [[incisor#The Rodent incisor|incisor]]s due to injury or malnutrition may result in overgrowth, which can cause injury to the roof of the mouth. Symptoms include a dropped or loss of appetite, drooling, weight loss, or foul breath.<ref name="caring">[http://www.caringtogether.com/exotics/hamsters3.html#a Hamsters - Medical Concerns<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> The teeth must be clipped by a veterinarian regularly for as long as required.
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Misalignment of [[incisor#The Rodent incisor|incisor]]s due to injury or malnutrition may result in overgrowth, which can cause injury to the roof of the mouth. Symptoms include a dropped or loss of appetite, drooling, weight loss, or foul breath. The only cure is for a veterinarian to regularly trim the overgrown incisors and prescribe antibiotics.<ref name="caring">[http://www.caringtogether.com/exotics/hamsters3.html#a] - CaringTogether.com. Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref>
 
  
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====Trauma====
+
===Trauma===
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Common injuries are caused by gerbils being dropped or falling, usually while inside of an "exercise ball," which can cause broken limbs or a fractured spine, for which there is no cure. Injured gerbils should be immediately examined by a veterinarian to determine the best course of action in each situation.<ref name="caring"/><ref name="nanc">[http://members.nanc.com/~mhaines/gerbil.html#Medical "Gerbit FAQ] - Nanc.com. Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref>
+
Common injuries are caused by gerbils being dropped or falling, often while inside of a [[hamster ball]], which can cause broken limbs or a fractured spine (for which there is no cure).<ref name="caring"/><ref name="nanc">[http://members.nanc.com/~mhaines/gerbil.html#Medical Gerbil FAQ<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
  
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====Neglect====
+
===Neglect===
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A common problem for all small rodents is neglect, which can cause the gerbils to not get adequate food and water, causing serious health concerns, including serious dehydration, starvation, stomach ulcers, eating of bedding material, and cannibalism. It is important to regularly check water bottles, as they often become clogged or contact bedding, draining the bottles.<ref name="caring"/>
+
A common problem for all small rodents is neglect, which can cause the gerbils to not receive adequate food and water, causing serious health concerns, including dehydration, starvation, stomach ulcers, eating of bedding material, and cannibalism.<ref name="caring"/>
  
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====Wet tail====
+
===Epilepsy===
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The most serious intestinal disease of small rodents is "wet tail," or [[Proliferative Ileitis]], which is most common among weaning gerbils (3-6 weeks). Symptoms include lethargy, increased irritability, hunched posture, fluid or bloody diarrhea, a wet, soiled anal area and tail, and, sometimes, [[rectal prolapse]]. A veterinarian is needed to immediately examine  and evaluate the situation and will usually treat the problem with fluid replacement.
+
Between 20 and 50% of all pet gerbils have the seizure disorder [[epilepsy]].<ref>[http://www.petplace.com/small-mammals/gerbil-care/page4.aspx Gerbil Care<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> The seizures are thought to be caused by fright, handling, or a new environment. The attacks can be mild to severe, but do not typically appear to have any long-term effects, except for rare cases where death results from very severe seizures.<ref name="mi">[http://www.michiganhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=vetcare_gerbils&printer_friendly=1 Michigan Humane Society: Veterinary Care<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> A way to avoid a gerbil having a seizure is to refrain from blowing in the animal's face (often used to "train" the pet not to bite), this is used in a lab environment to induce seizures for medical research.<ref>http://www.springerlink.com/content/y233811273x4385h/</ref>
  
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====Epilepsy====
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===Tumors===
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Between 20 percent and 50 percent of all pet gerbils have the seizure disorder [[epilepsy]].<ref>[http://www.petplace.com/small-mammals/gerbil-care/page4.aspx "Gerbil Care"] -  PetPlace.com. Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref> The seizures are caused by fright, handling, or a new environment. The attacks can be mild to severe but do not typically appear to have any long-term effects, except for rare cases where death results from very severe seizures. If a gerbil is genetically predisposed, the owner can prevent future seizures by frequently handling the gerbils while they're young, keeping their environment stable, and providing them with a complete, balanced diet.<ref name="mi">[http://www.michiganhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=vetcare_gerbils&printer_friendly=1 "Gerbils"] - MichiganHumane.org. Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref>
+
[[Tumor]]s, both benign and malignant, are fairly common in pet gerbils, and are most common in females over the age of two. Usually, the tumors involve the ovaries, causing an extended abdomen, or the skin, with tumors most often developing around the ears, feet, midabdomen, and base of the tail, appearing as a lump or abscess.<ref name="mi"/> The scent gland (positioned on the abdomen) should be checked regularly; a veterinarian can operate on the lump where possible.<ref>http://www.egerbil.com/gerbil_scent_gland_surgery</ref>
  
−
====Tumors====
+
===Tail sloughing===
−
[[Tumor]]s, both benign and malignant, are fairly common in pet gerbils, and are most common in females over the age of 2. Usually, the tumors involve the ovaries, causing an extended abdomen, or the skin cancer, with tumors most often developing around the ears, feet, mid-abdomen, and base of the tail, appearing as a lump or abscess.<ref name="mi"/> If it is an external tumor, a veterinarian can often perform surgery, but internal tumors are much more difficult to remove, since the animal is so small in size, so the owners typically elect not to operate, but, rather, elect to [[euthanasia|euthanize]] the pet.<ref name="caring"/>
+
Gerbils can lose their tails due to improper handling, being attacked by another animal, or getting their tails stuck. The first sign is a loss of fur from the tip of the tail, then, the skinless tail dies off and sloughs, with the stump usually healing without complications.<ref name="mi"/>
  
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====Tail sloughing====
+
===Tyzzer's disease===
−
Gerbils can lose their tails due to improper handling. The first sign is a loss of fur from the tip of the tail, then, the skinless tail dies off and sloughs, with the stump usually healing without complications. However, in some cases, the tail may need to be amputated.<ref name="mi"/>
+
The most common infectious disease in gerbils is [[Tyzzer's disease]], which is often caused by either stress or bacteria, and produces symptoms such as ruffled fur, lethargy, hunched posture, poor appetite, diarrhoea, and often death. It quickly spreads between gerbils in close contact.<ref name="mi"/>
  
−
====Tyzzer's disease====
+
===Deafness and inner ear problems===
−
The most common infectious disease in gerbils is [[Tyzzer's Disease]], which is often caused by either stress or bacteria, and produces symptoms such as ruffled fur, lethargy, hunched posture, poor appetite, diarrhea, and, often death. It quickly spreads between gerbils in the same cage, so, for this reason, it is recommended that a new pet be isolated until you are sure he is free of disease.<ref name="mi"/>
+
A problem with the inner ear can be spotted by a gerbil leaning to one side quite obviously. The fluids in the ears affect balance. However, this does not appear to affect the gerbils too much, which have an aptitude of just getting on with things, and getting used to their conditions. Gerbils with "extreme white spotting" colouring are susceptible to deafness; this is thought to be due to the lack of pigmentation in and around the ear.<ref>http://www.egerbil.com/extremespot.html</ref>
  
−
==Captive-bred gerbil colors==
+
==Captive-bred gerbils==
 
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:DSC016263.JPG|thumb|right|A lilac gerbil]] —>
 
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[Image:DSC016263.JPG|thumb|right|A lilac gerbil]] —>
−
[[Image:Osprey.JPG|thumb|right|A Burmese colored gerbil]]
+
[[File:Burmese colored gerbil.jpg|thumb|right|A Burmese colored gerbil]]
−
[[Image:Gerbil.JPG|thumb|right|A Pied Burmese gerbil]]
+
[[File:Pachyuromys-duprasi PeterMaas.jpg|right|thumb|A male and female fat-tailed gerbil (''Pachyuromys duprasi'')]]
−
There are many colour varieties of gerbil available in pet shops today generally the result of years of [[selective breeding]].  
+
Many color varieties of gerbils are available in pet shops today, generally the result of years of [[selective breeding]].
  
−
There are over 20 different coat colors in the [[Mongolian gerbil]], which has been captive-bred the longest.<ref>Anastasi, Donna. ''Gerbils. Complete care made easy''. (Irvine, Calif: BowTie Press, 2005, ISBN 1931993564).</ref>
+
Over 20 different coat colors occur in the [[Meriones unguiculatus|Mongolian gerbil]], which has been captive-bred the longest.<ref>Anastasi, Donna. ''Gerbils: The Complete Guide to Gerbil Care''. Irvine: Bowtie Press, 2005.</ref>
  
−
Another species of gerbil has also been recently introduced to the pet industry: the [[fat-tailed gerbil]], or duprasi. They’re smaller than the common Mongolian gerbils and have long soft coats and a short, fat tail, appearing more like a hamster. There is a variation on the normal duprasi coat which is more gray in color, which may be a mutation, or it may be the result of hybrids between the Egyptian and Algerian subspecies of duprasi.<ref name="gerbilinfo">Karin van Veen(ed.). [http://www.gerbil-info.com/html/otherduprasiuk.htm ''The Gerbil Information Page''](Dutch Gerbil Study Group, Gerbil Genetics Group, Nov. 2001). Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref><ref>Eddie Cope(ed.). [http://www.egerbil.com/duprasi.html "Fat-Tailed Gerbil (Duprasi)"]. "Pachyuromys duprasis - Fat Tailed Gerbil."''e-Gerbil''(2006). Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref>  
+
Another species of gerbil has also been recently introduced to the pet industry: the [[fat-tailed gerbil]], or duprasi. They are smaller than the common Mongolian gerbils, and have long, soft coats and short, fat tails, appearing more like a [[hamster]]. The variation on the normal duprasi coat is more gray in color, which may be a mutation, or it may be the result of hybrids between the Egyptian and Algerian subspecies of duprasi.<ref name="gerbilinfo">"Fat-Tailed Gerbil (Duprasi)." ''The Gerbil Information Page''. Ed. Karin van Veen. Nov. 2001. Dutch Gerbil Study Group. Gerbil Genetics Group. <http://www.gerbil-info.com/html/otherduprasiuk.htm>.</ref><ref>"Pachyuromys duprasis&nbsp;— Fat Tailed Gerbil."''e-Gerbil''. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/duprasi.html>.</ref>
  
−
White spotting has been reported in not only the Mongolian Gerbil, but also the [[Pallid Gerbil]]<ref>Eddie Cope(ed.). [http://www.egerbil.com/pallid.html "The Pallid Gerbil - Gerbillus perpallidus"]. ''e-Gerbil''(2006). Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref> and possibly [[Sundervall's Jird]]<ref>Julian Barker(ed.). [http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/genetics.htm#Mutations "Gerbil Genetics"]. ''NGS Frontpage''. The National Gerbil Society(2004). Retrieved December 6, 2006.<>.</ref>.
+
White spotting has been reported in not only the Mongolian gerbil, but also the pallid gerbil<ref>"The Pallid Gerbil&nbsp;— Gerbillus perpallidus."''e-Gerbil''. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/pallid.html>.</ref> and possibly Sundervall's Jird.<ref>"Gerbil Genetics."''NGS Frontpage''. Ed. Julian Barker. 30 Nov. 2004. The National Gerbil Society.<http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/genetics.htm#Mutations></ref>
  
−
A long-haired mutation, a grey agouti or chinchilla mutation, white spotting, and possibly a dilute mutation have also appeared in [[Shaw's Jirds]],<ref>Eddie Cope(ed.). [http://www.egerbil.com/shawsjird.html "Care and management of Shaw's Jirds -  Meriones shawi"]. ''e-Gerbil''(2006). Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref> and white spotting and a dilute mutation have shown up in [[Bushy-Tailed Jirds]].<ref>Eddie Cope(ed.). [http://www.egerbil.com/bushy.html"Sekeetamys calurus - Bushy Tailed Jirds"]. ''e-Gerbil''(2006). Retrieved December 6, 2007.</ref>
+
A long-haired mutation, a grey agouti or chinchilla mutation, white spotting, and possibly a dilute mutation have also appeared in [[Shaw's jird]]s,<ref>"Care and management of Shaw's Jirds&nbsp;— Meriones shawi."''e-Gerbil''. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/shawsjird.html>.</ref> and white spotting and a dilute mutation have shown up in [[Bushy-tailed Jird]]s.<ref>"Sekeetamys calurus&nbsp;— Bushy Tailed Jirds."''e-Gerbil''. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/bushy.html>.</ref>
  
−
===Notes===
+
==See also==
−
<references/>
+
* [[Jird]]
 +
* [[Jerboa]]
 +
* [[Indian desert jird]]
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
{{Reflist|2}}
 +
 
 +
===Resources===
 +
*McKenna, M. C. and S. K. Bell. 1997. Classification of Mammals above the Species Level. Columbia University Press, New York.
 +
*Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. 1993. Family Muridae.  Pp.&nbsp;501–755 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.
 +
*Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Johns Hopkins University Press, London.
 +
*Pavlinov, I. Ya., Yu. A. Dubrovskiy, O. L. Rossolimo, E. G. Potapova. 1990. Gerbils of the world. Nauka, Moscow.
 +
*http://www.research.usf.edu/cm/CMDC/C111_Normative_Biology_Diseases_Gerbils_7_03.pdf
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
{{Commons category|Gerbillinae|Gerbils}}
 +
*[http://www.gerbils.co.uk The UK's National Gerbil Society]
 +
*[http://www.thegerbils.com The Gerbils.com - Everything about the gerbil]
 +
*[http://www.egerbil.com eGerbil- For everything gerbil!]
 +
*[http://www.agsgerbils.org/ American Gerbil Society]
 +
{{Muridae}}
 +
{{Gerbillinae}}
  
−
===References===
 
−
*McKenna, Malcolm C., Susan K. Bell, and George Gaylord Simpson. Classification of Mammals Above the Species Level. New York: Columbia University Press, 1997. ISBN 023111012X
 
−
*Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. "Family Muridae". ''Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference''. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder(eds.). Washington, D.C.:Smithsonian Institution Press, 1993, 501-755. 
 
−
*Nowak, R. M. ''Walker's Mammals of the World, Vol. 2''. London:Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999. 
 
−
*Pavlinov, I. Ya., Yu. A. Dubrovskiy, O. L. Rossolimo, E. G. Potapova. ''Gerbils of the world. Nauka, Moscow. 1990.          *Research.usf.edu. [http://www.research.usf.edu/cm/CMDC/C111_Normative_Biology_Diseases_Gerbils_7_03.pdf "Gerbils"]. Retrieved December 6, 2007.
 
  
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Life sciences]]
 
[[Category:Animals]]
 
[[Category:Animals]]
 +
[[Category:Rodents]]
  
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{{credit|Gerbil|550486152}}
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visit www. gerbils.co.uk for info  it is the National Gerbil Society website.
 
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{{credit|175376553}}
 

Revision as of 19:13, 27 October 2013

Gerbil
Fossil range: Late Miocene - Recent
Gerbil.JPG
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Superfamily: Muroidea
Family: Muridae
Subfamily: Gerbillinae
Gray, 1825
Genera

Ammodillus
Brachiones
Desmodilliscus
Desmodillus
Dipodillus
Gerbilliscus
Gerbillurus
Gerbillus
Meriones
Microdillus
Pachyuromys
Psammomys
Rhombomys
Sekeetamys
Tatera
Taterillus

A gerbil is a small mammal of the order Rodentia. Once known simply as "desert rats", the gerbil subfamily includes about 110 species of African, Indian, and Asian rodents, including sand rats and jirds, all of which are adapted to arid habitats. Most are primarily diurnal [1] (though some, including the common household pet, do exhibit crepuscular behavior), and almost all are omnivorous.

The word "gerbil" is a diminutive form of "jerboa", though the jerboas are an unrelated group of rodents occupying a similar ecological niche.

One Mongolian species, Meriones unguiculatus, also known as the clawed jird, is a gentle and hardy animal that has become a popular pet. It was first brought from China to Paris, France in the 19th century, and became a popular house pet.[2] It was then brought to the United States in 1954 by Dr. Victor Schwentker for use in research.[3]

Gerbils are typically between six and 12 inches (150 and 300 mm) long, including the tail, which makes up about one-half of their total length. One species, the great gerbil, or Rhombomys opimus, originally native to Turkmenistan, can grow to more than 16 inches (400 mm). The average adult gerbil weighs about 2.5 oz. (70 g).

Behavior

A young gerbil sitting by the food bowl to eat

Gerbils are social animals, and live in groups in the wild.[4] They rely on their sense of smell to identify other members of their clan, so it is important to use what is commonly referred to as the "split tank method" when introducing gerbils from separate litters. Gerbils are known to attack and often kill those carrying an unfamiliar scent.[5]

Classification

SUBFAMILY GERBILLINAE

  • Tribe Ammodillini
    • Genus Ammodillus
      • Ammodile, Ammodillus imbellis
  • Tribe Desmodilliscini
    • Genus Desmodilliscus
      • Pouched gerbil, Desmodilliscus braueri
    • Genus Pachyuromys
      • Fat-tailed gerbil, Pachyuromys duprasi
  • Tribe Gerbillini
    • Subtribe Gerbillina
      • Genus Dipodillus
        • Botta's gerbil, Dipodillus bottai
        • North African gerbil, Dipodillus campestris
        • Wagner's gerbil, Dipodillus dasyurus
        • Harwood's gerbil, Dipodillus harwoodi
        • James's gerbil, Dipodillus jamesi
        • Lowe's gerbil, Dipodillus lowei
        • Mackilligin's gerbil, Dipodillus mackilligini
        • Greater short-tailed gerbil, Dipodillus maghrebi
        • Rupicolous gerbil, Dipodillus rupicola
        • Lesser short-tailed gerbil, Dipodillus simoni
        • Somalian gerbil, Dipodillus somalicus
        • Khartoum gerbil, Dipodillus stigmonyx
        • Kerkennah Islands gerbil, Dipodillus zakariai
      • Genus Gerbillus
        • Subgenus Hendecapleura
          • Pleasant gerbil, Gerbillus amoenus
          • Brockman's gerbil, Gerbillus brockmani
          • Black-tufted gerbil, Gerbillus famulus
          • Algerian gerbil, Gerbillus garamantis
          • Grobben's gerbil, Gerbillus grobbeni
          • Pygmy gerbil, Gerbillus henleyi
          • Mauritian gerbil, Gerbillus mauritaniae (sometimes considered a separate genus Monodia)
          • Harrison's gerbil, Gerbillus mesopotamiae
          • Barfur gerbil, Gerbillus muriculus
          • Balochistan gerbil, Gerbillus nanus
          • Large Aden gerbil, Gerbillus poecilops
          • Principal gerbil, Gerbillus principulus
          • Least gerbil, Gerbillus pusillus
          • Sand gerbil, Gerbillus syrticus
          • Vivacious gerbil, Gerbillus vivax (may be G. amoenus or G. nanus)
          • Waters's gerbil, Gerbillus watersi
        • Subgenus Gerbillus
          • Berbera gerbil, Gerbillus acticola
          • Agag gerbil, Gerbillus agag
          • Anderson's gerbil, Gerbillus andersoni
          • Swarthy gerbil, Gerbillus aquilus
          • Burton's gerbil, Gerbillus burtoni
          • Cheesman's gerbil, Gerbillus cheesmani
          • Dongola gerbil, Gerbillus dongolanus
          • Somalia gerbil, Gerbillus dunni
          • Flower's gerbil, Gerbillus floweri
          • Lesser gerbil, Gerbillus gerbillus
          • Indian hairy-footed gerbil, Gerbillus gleadowi
          • Western gerbil, Gergbillus hesperinus
          • Hoogstraal's gerbil, Gerbillus hoogstraali
          • Lataste's gerbil, Gerbillus latastei
          • Sudan gerbil, Gerbillus nancillus
          • Nigerian gerbil, Gerbillus nigeriae
          • Occidental gerbil, Gerbillus occiduus
          • Pale gerbil, Gerbillus perpallidus
          • Cushioned gerbil, Gerbillus pulvinatus
          • Greater Egyptian gerbil, Gerbillus pyramidum
          • Rosalinda gerbil, Gerbillus rosalinda
          • Tarabul's gerbil, Gerbillus tarabuli
      • Genus Microdillus
        • Somali Pygmy Gerbil, Microdillus peeli
    • Subtribe Rhombomyina
      • Genus Brachiones
        • Przewalski's gerbil, Brachiones przewalskii
      • Genus Meriones
        • Subgenus Meriones
          • Tamarisk jird, Meriones tamariscinus
        • Subgenus Parameriones
          • Persian jird, Meriones persicus
          • King jird, Meriones rex
        • Subgenus Pallasiomys
          • Arabian jird, Meriones arimalius
          • Cheng's jird, Meriones chengi
          • Sundevall's jird, Meriones crassus
          • Dahl's jird, Meriones dahli
          • Moroccan jird, Meriones grandis
          • Libyan jird, Meriones libycus
          • Midday jird, Meriones meridianus
          • Buxton's jird, Meriones sacramenti
          • Shaw's jird, Meriones shawi
          • Tristram's jird, Meriones tristrami
          • Mongolian jird (Mongolian Gerbil), Meriones unguiculatus
          • Vinogradov's jird, Meriones vinogradovi
          • Zarudny's jird, Meriones zarudnyi
        • Subgenus Cheliones
          • Indian desert jird, Meriones hurrianae
      • Genus Psammomys
        • Sand rat, Psammomys obesus
        • Thin sand rat, Psammomys vexillaris
      • Genus Rhombomys
        • Great gerbil, Rhombomys opimus
    • incertae sedis
      • Genus Sekeetamys
        • Bushy-tailed jird, Sekeetamys calurus
  • Tribe Gerbillurini
    • Genus Desmodillus
      • Cape short-eared gerbil, Desmodillus auricularis
    • Genus Gerbilliscus
      • Cape gerbil, Gerbilliscus afra
      • Boehm's gerbil, Gerbilliscus boehmi
      • Highveld gerbil, Gerbilliscus brantsii
      • Guinean gerbil, Gerbilliscus guineae
      • Gorongoza gerbil, Gerbilliscus inclusus
      • Kemp's gerbil, Gerbilliscus kempi
      • Bushveld gerbil, Gerbilliscus leucogaster
      • Black-tailed gerbil, Gerbilliscus nigricaudus
      • Phillips's gerbil, Gerbilliscus phillipsi
      • Fringe-tailed gerbil, Gerbilliscus robustus
      • Savanna gerbil, Gerbilliscus validus
    • Genus Gerbillurus
      • Hairy-footed gerbil, Gerbillurus paeba
      • Namib brush-tailed gerbil, Gerbillurus setzeri
      • Dune hairy-footed gerbil, Gerbillurus tytonis
      • Bushy-tailed hairy-footed gerbil, Gerbillurus vallinus
    • Genus Tatera
      • Indian gerbil, Tatera indica
  • Tribe Taterillini
    • Genus Taterillus
      • Robbins's tateril, Taterillus arenarius
      • Congo gerbil, Taterillus congicus
      • Emin's gerbil, Taterillus emini
      • Gracile tateril, Taterillus gracilis
      • Harrington's gerbil, Taterillus harringtoni
      • Lake Chad gerbil, Taterillus lacustris
      • Petter's gerbil, Taterillus petteri
      • Senegal gerbil, Taterillus pygargus
      • Tranieri's tateril, Taterillus tranieri

Gerbils as pets

Gerbils were first introduced to the pet industry in 1964. These were the Mongolian gerbils. Their value as pets was soon appreciated and they are now found in pet shops all over the UK and USA. Due to the threat they pose to indigenous ecosystems and existing agricultural operations, it is illegal to purchase, import, or keep a gerbil as a pet in the US state of California.[6]

Housing in captivity

A common misunderstanding when purchasing a home for pet gerbils is they can live in housing designed for hamsters and mice. This is not correct, as they need to be able to dig tunnel systems, rather than have them created for them. The commonly plastic structure of hamster and mouse cages is inappropriate for gerbils due to their ability to gnaw through it very quickly. Plastic can cause serious health issues for the animal if ingested, therefore many owners refrain from having any plastic in the tank and rely entirely on wooden toys.[7] Information from gerbil societies from throughout the globe is conflicting with regards to tank sizing. However, a common minimum given appears to be 10 imperial gallons per gerbil.[8]

Mating

Gerbils will mate for several hours, in frequent short bursts followed by short chases, when the female allows the male to catch her. Once he catches her, the female will squeak and make flick motions to get the male off her. Males will not attack females except in rare circumstances, which may also include them having been separated from their original mates, or widowed. A female may attack a male, but usually he is more than a match for her.[9]

Reasons for popularity

The several reasons for the popularity of gerbils as household pets include: The animals are typically not aggressive, and they rarely bite unprovoked or without stress. They are small and easy to handle, since they are sociable creatures that enjoy the company of humans and other gerbils.[10][11] Gerbils also have adapted their kidneys to produce a minimum of waste to conserve body fluids, which makes them very clean with little odor.

Health concerns

Teeth problems

Misalignment of incisors due to injury or malnutrition may result in overgrowth, which can cause injury to the roof of the mouth. Symptoms include a dropped or loss of appetite, drooling, weight loss, or foul breath.[12] The teeth must be clipped by a veterinarian regularly for as long as required.

Trauma

Common injuries are caused by gerbils being dropped or falling, often while inside of a hamster ball, which can cause broken limbs or a fractured spine (for which there is no cure).[12][13]

Neglect

A common problem for all small rodents is neglect, which can cause the gerbils to not receive adequate food and water, causing serious health concerns, including dehydration, starvation, stomach ulcers, eating of bedding material, and cannibalism.[12]

Epilepsy

Between 20 and 50% of all pet gerbils have the seizure disorder epilepsy.[14] The seizures are thought to be caused by fright, handling, or a new environment. The attacks can be mild to severe, but do not typically appear to have any long-term effects, except for rare cases where death results from very severe seizures.[15] A way to avoid a gerbil having a seizure is to refrain from blowing in the animal's face (often used to "train" the pet not to bite), this is used in a lab environment to induce seizures for medical research.[16]

Tumors

Tumors, both benign and malignant, are fairly common in pet gerbils, and are most common in females over the age of two. Usually, the tumors involve the ovaries, causing an extended abdomen, or the skin, with tumors most often developing around the ears, feet, midabdomen, and base of the tail, appearing as a lump or abscess.[15] The scent gland (positioned on the abdomen) should be checked regularly; a veterinarian can operate on the lump where possible.[17]

Tail sloughing

Gerbils can lose their tails due to improper handling, being attacked by another animal, or getting their tails stuck. The first sign is a loss of fur from the tip of the tail, then, the skinless tail dies off and sloughs, with the stump usually healing without complications.[15]

Tyzzer's disease

The most common infectious disease in gerbils is Tyzzer's disease, which is often caused by either stress or bacteria, and produces symptoms such as ruffled fur, lethargy, hunched posture, poor appetite, diarrhoea, and often death. It quickly spreads between gerbils in close contact.[15]

Deafness and inner ear problems

A problem with the inner ear can be spotted by a gerbil leaning to one side quite obviously. The fluids in the ears affect balance. However, this does not appear to affect the gerbils too much, which have an aptitude of just getting on with things, and getting used to their conditions. Gerbils with "extreme white spotting" colouring are susceptible to deafness; this is thought to be due to the lack of pigmentation in and around the ear.[18]

Captive-bred gerbils

File:Burmese colored gerbil.jpg
A Burmese colored gerbil
A male and female fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi)

Many color varieties of gerbils are available in pet shops today, generally the result of years of selective breeding.

Over 20 different coat colors occur in the Mongolian gerbil, which has been captive-bred the longest.[19]

Another species of gerbil has also been recently introduced to the pet industry: the fat-tailed gerbil, or duprasi. They are smaller than the common Mongolian gerbils, and have long, soft coats and short, fat tails, appearing more like a hamster. The variation on the normal duprasi coat is more gray in color, which may be a mutation, or it may be the result of hybrids between the Egyptian and Algerian subspecies of duprasi.[20][21]

White spotting has been reported in not only the Mongolian gerbil, but also the pallid gerbil[22] and possibly Sundervall's Jird.[23]

A long-haired mutation, a grey agouti or chinchilla mutation, white spotting, and possibly a dilute mutation have also appeared in Shaw's jirds,[24] and white spotting and a dilute mutation have shown up in Bushy-tailed Jirds.[25]

See also

  • Jird
  • Jerboa
  • Indian desert jird

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. ↑ [1]
  2. ↑ http://www.huisdiereninfo.nl/content/gerbils.php
  3. ↑ Schwentker, V. "The Gerbil. A new laboratory animal." Ill Vet 6: 5-9, 1963.
  4. ↑ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2107+2254&aid=1622
  5. ↑ http://www.egerbil.com/splittank.html
  6. ↑ See 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 671(c)(2)(J). The prohibition imposed by the California Fish and Game Commission also applies to all other members of order Rodentia, except for "domesticated races" of rats, mice, golden hamsters, guinea pigs, and chinchillas.
  7. ↑ http://egerbil.com/tanks.html
  8. ↑ http://www.egerbil.com/housing.html
  9. ↑ http://www.gerbilbreeding.com/mating.htm
  10. ↑ Behaviour. The Gerbil Information Page. Ed. Karin van Veen. Nov. 2001. Dutch Gerbil Study Group. Gerbil Genetics Group.
  11. ↑ Gerbil Care Handbook. The American Gerbil Society.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Hamsters - Medical Concerns
  13. ↑ Gerbil FAQ
  14. ↑ Gerbil Care
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Michigan Humane Society: Veterinary Care
  16. ↑ http://www.springerlink.com/content/y233811273x4385h/
  17. ↑ http://www.egerbil.com/gerbil_scent_gland_surgery
  18. ↑ http://www.egerbil.com/extremespot.html
  19. ↑ Anastasi, Donna. Gerbils: The Complete Guide to Gerbil Care. Irvine: Bowtie Press, 2005.
  20. ↑ "Fat-Tailed Gerbil (Duprasi)." The Gerbil Information Page. Ed. Karin van Veen. Nov. 2001. Dutch Gerbil Study Group. Gerbil Genetics Group. <http://www.gerbil-info.com/html/otherduprasiuk.htm>.
  21. ↑ "Pachyuromys duprasis — Fat Tailed Gerbil."e-Gerbil. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/duprasi.html>.
  22. ↑ "The Pallid Gerbil — Gerbillus perpallidus."e-Gerbil. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/pallid.html>.
  23. ↑ "Gerbil Genetics."NGS Frontpage. Ed. Julian Barker. 30 Nov. 2004. The National Gerbil Society.<http://www.gerbils.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gerbils/genetics.htm#Mutations>
  24. ↑ "Care and management of Shaw's Jirds — Meriones shawi."e-Gerbil. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/shawsjird.html>.
  25. ↑ "Sekeetamys calurus — Bushy Tailed Jirds."e-Gerbil. Ed. Eddie Cope. 2006. <http://www.egerbil.com/bushy.html>.

Resources

  • McKenna, M. C. and S. K. Bell. 1997. Classification of Mammals above the Species Level. Columbia University Press, New York.
  • Musser, G. G. and M. D. Carleton. 1993. Family Muridae. Pp. 501–755 in Mammal Species of the World a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder eds. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington D.C.
  • Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Johns Hopkins University Press, London.
  • Pavlinov, I. Ya., Yu. A. Dubrovskiy, O. L. Rossolimo, E. G. Potapova. 1990. Gerbils of the world. Nauka, Moscow.
  • http://www.research.usf.edu/cm/CMDC/C111_Normative_Biology_Diseases_Gerbils_7_03.pdf

External links

Commons
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Template:Muridae Template:Gerbillinae

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