Jaculus orientalis

(Erxleben, 1777)

Vernacular names
English : Greater egyptian jerboa
French : Grande gerboise d’Égypte

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Rodentia
Family : Dipodidae
Notes : 3 subspecies known (not always recognized)

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 13 cm, tail length of 20 cm and a weight of 140 g. Round head with big eyes, big ears, very long tail, long hindlimbs, short forelimbs. Fur beige, white on belly. Tail tuft is black and white.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt, through the Sinai Peninsula and from southern Israel and Palestine to Saudi Arabia. Lives in semi deserts and scrublands, often near coastal areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species remains common over its range despite of local hunting and persecution. It’s adaptable to disturbed environment.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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