Where Do Gerbils Live in The Wild?

Gerbils are such cute animals that many people like to keep them as pets. Yet if you are thinking of letting one of these critters into your home you might be interested in what their natural environment is like. If you are this is the right article, because I have done research on where gerbils live in the wild.

Gerbils are small rodents that are native to Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They are known for their cute appearance, friendly nature, and their active personalities. Gerbils are commonly kept as pets, but they also live in the wild in their natural habitats.

As you can see gerbils are not native to house living and they tend to live wildly even when in captivity. That does not mean they will not make a good pet, though. I have written more about the gerbil’s natural environment so you can make your home more hospital to your gerbil.

What Kind of Environment do Gerbils Live in?

Gerbils are small burrowing rodents native to the deserts and dry regions of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. In the wild, they live in underground burrows that can be up to several meters deep. The burrows are composed of multiple tunnels and chambers, which provide protection from predators and help regulate temperature and humidity levels.

In captivity, gerbils require a habitat that mimics their natural environment as closely as possible. This means providing them with a cage that is large enough for them to run, play, and burrow. A recommended minimum size for a pair of gerbils is 20 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches tall.

The cage should have a solid bottom and be filled with a deep layer of bedding material, such as paper-based bedding, as gerbils love to burrow and dig. Gerbils also need a hiding place, such as a small cardboard box or a wooden house, where they can retreat and feel secure.

Gerbils are active and social animals, so they do best when kept in pairs or groups. They also require regular exercise and mental stimulation, so providing them with toys, such as tunnels, wheels, and chew toys, is important.

Temperature and humidity levels are also crucial to the health and well-being of gerbils. They are adapted to hot and dry environments and can easily become overheated if their environment becomes too humid or too hot. The optimal temperature range for gerbils is between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity level should be kept at around 40-60%.

What Species of Gerbils Live in the Wild?

There are over 100 species of gerbils in the wild, but the most common species that are kept as pets are the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) and the fat-tailed gerbil (Pachyuromys duprasi).

The Mongolian gerbil is native to the desert and semi-desert regions of Mongolia and northern China, while the fat-tailed gerbil is found in the deserts of North Africa.

Other species of gerbils that are found in the wild include the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), the Libyan jird (Meriones libycus), the Indian desert jird (Meriones hurrianae), and the bushy-tailed jird (Sekeetamys calurus), among others.

Each species of gerbil has unique characteristics and adaptations that allow them to thrive in their specific habitats. For example, the great gerbil is one of the largest species of gerbils and lives in large family groups in complex burrow systems. The bushy-tailed jird, on the other hand, has a bushy tail that it uses to help regulate its body temperature in the hot desert environment.

How do Gerbils Survive in the Wild?

Gerbils have a number of adaptations that help them survive in the wild. Here are some ways they are able to thrive in their natural environment:

1. Burrowing: Gerbils are expert burrowers and create complex networks of underground tunnels and chambers that provide shelter and protection from predators and extreme temperatures.
2. Efficient water use: Gerbils are adapted to survive in arid environments and are able to obtain much of their water from the food they eat, which includes seeds, plants, and insects.
3. Camouflage: Many species of gerbils have fur that blends in with the color of their surroundings, making it harder for predators to spot them.
4. Adaptation to temperature extremes: Gerbils are adapted to survive in a range of temperatures, from hot deserts to cold mountains. They are able to regulate their body temperature through their burrows and by huddling together for warmth.
5. Alertness: Gerbils have sharp senses and are constantly on the lookout for predators. They have excellent hearing and can pick up the slightest sounds, which helps them avoid danger.
6. Agile movement: Gerbils are fast and agile, which helps them evade predators. They can jump and run quickly, and are able to change direction rapidly.

Overall, gerbils are highly adaptable creatures that are able to survive in a range of environments. Their burrowing behavior, efficient use of water, and sharp senses all contribute to their ability to thrive in the wild.

Are Pet Gerbils the Same as Wild Gerbils?

Pet gerbils are the same species as wild gerbils, but they have been bred in captivity for many generations and have been selected for traits that make them better suited for life as a pet. As a result, there are some differences between pet gerbils and wild gerbils in terms of their behavior, appearance, and health.

Here are some of the differences:

1. Appearance: Pet gerbils may have different fur colors and patterns than wild gerbils, as they have been selectively bred for certain traits. Additionally, some pet gerbils may be larger or smaller than their wild counterparts.
2. Social behavior: Pet gerbils are often kept in pairs or groups, which is not the case for all species of wild gerbils. In the wild, some species of gerbils are solitary animals or live in small family groups.
3. Tame behavior: Pet gerbils are generally more accustomed to human interaction than wild gerbils and can often be tamed with patience and training.
4. Health: Pet gerbils are typically bred for good health and longevity, while wild gerbils may be exposed to diseases and parasites that can affect their health and lifespan.

Overall, while pet gerbils share many similarities with their wild counterparts, there are some differences in their behavior, appearance, and health due to their domestication and selective breeding.