Rhombomys – Great gerbil

A large, burrow-dwelling rodent found across Central Asia, from Kazakhstan and Mongolia to northern China, Afghanistan, and parts of Iran. Its fur is sandy brown on top and lighter on the belly, perfectly matching the deserts and steppes it inhabits. This camouflage makes it hard to spot above ground, though its large size and sturdy build set it apart from other gerbils in its range. With big, strong hind legs for digging and running, and a short, blunt snout, it is built for survival in dry, open landscapes.

What really makes the great gerbil stand out is its burrow system. Unlike smaller rodents that dig simple tunnels, this species builds enormous underground complexes with dozens of entrances. A single family’s burrow has special chambers for nesting, storing food, and escaping predators. These burrows are so large and long-lasting that they can be seen from the air, and multiple generations may use the same system over time. Compared to other gerbils that dig shallower, temporary burrows, the great gerbil is a true engineer of the steppe, reshaping the land with its underground cities. These burrows also provide shelter for other creatures, including insects and reptiles, making them important “ecosystem architects.”

Another unique feature of the great gerbil is its social lifestyle. While many rodents are solitary or live in small family units, great gerbils form colonies, with multiple families inhabiting the same area. They spend much of their time underground but emerge during the day to forage. Their diet is mostly herbivorous, consisting of grasses, seeds, roots, and shrubs. Thanks to their food storage habits, they can survive the harsh winters of Central Asia, when the land is frozen and resources are scarce. Their adaptability has made them incredibly successful across vast and often harsh environments.