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Jird
''Meriones'' is a rodent genus that includes the gerbil most commonly kept as a pet, ''Meriones unguiculatus''. The genus contains most animals referred to as jirds, but members of the genera '' Sekeetamys'', ''Brachiones'', and sometimes '' Pachyuromys'' are also known as jirds. The distribution of ''Meriones'' ranges from northern Africa to Mongolia. ''Meriones'' jirds tend to inhabit arid regions including clay desert, sandy desert, and steppe, but are also in slightly wetter regions, and are an agricultural pest. The genus was named by Illiger in 1811, deriving from the Greek word ''μηρος'' (femur). However the name is shared with Greek warrior Meriones in Homer's ''Iliad'' which has brought confusion to the meaning of the scientific names, specially for the popular pet Mongolian gerbil. Description Adult ''Meriones'' species range in size from 9 to 18 cm (head and body), with tails equal to or slightly longer than the rest of the animals. Weights vary widely by s ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cheliones
The Indian desert jird or Indian desert gerbil (''Meriones hurrianae'') is a species of jird found mainly in the Thar Desert in India. Jirds are closely related to Gerbillus, gerbils. Distribution The Indian desert jird is found in southeastern Iran and Pakistan to northwestern India. In India they can be found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Description The Indian desert jird has a grey-brown coat with yellowish-grey belly. It is approximately long and has a tail long. The distinguishing characteristics include short ears, long black claws and orange incisors. Habitat Jirds inhabit desert and barren areas preferring firm soil. They are not to be found in pure sand dunes or rocky outcrops. Habits The jirds are gregarious and their burrows are seen close by. Each jird will have at least two or more entrances to his burrow complex. Often the entrance is in the shade of a tree or near the trunk of bushes. They feed on seeds, roots, nuts, grasses and insects. Difference between 'j ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
