This small rodent, distinguished by its stubby snout, large eyes, and even larger ears, is perfectly designed for life in the arid landscapes it calls home. Its fur, which varies from pale to dark sandy shades, not only provides camouflage against the desert backdrop but also reflects solar radiation, helping to keep it cool. The paler underside further minimizes heat absorption, showcasing nature’s meticulous attention to detail in the jerboa’s design.

One of the most striking features of the Lesser Egyptian jerboa is its exceptionally long tail, which serves as a critical balancing tool during its high-speed jumps. This tail, often adorned with a tuft of hair at the end, acts as a stabilizer and rudder, allowing for swift changes in direction while navigating the desert terrain. This agility is crucial for avoiding predators and efficiently covering ground in search of food.

Remarkably, the Lesser Egyptian jerboa has evolved to survive without direct water intake, a testament to its extraordinary adaptation to desert life. Its diet, consisting of seeds, succulent plants, desert grasses, and insects, provides the necessary moisture to sustain its bodily functions. This ability to extract sufficient water from its food sources allows the jerboa to inhabit regions where water is scarce or entirely absent.

The burrow systems constructed by these jerboas are marvels of natural engineering, featuring complex networks with multiple entrances, exits, hibernation chambers, storage areas, and a nesting chamber. These burrows are strategically sealed with sand to insulate against extreme temperatures and to retain moisture, creating a microclimate within that is considerably more hospitable than the harsh external environment. This intricate burrow system not only offers protection from predators and the elements but also serves as a cool refuge during the scorching daylight hours.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Algeria

2016

Burkina Faso

2016

Egypt

2016

Eritrea

2016

Iran

2016

Israel

2016

Jordan

2016

Kuwait

2016

Libya

2016

Mali

2016

Mauritania

2016

Morocco

2016

Niger

2016

Nigeria

2016

Oman

2016

Qatar

2016

Saudi Arabia

2016

Senegal

2016

Somalia

2016

Sudan

2016

Syria

2016

Tunisia

2016

UAE

2016

Yemen

2016