Species group · Mammals

Jerboas

WAnimals has 3 species of jerboa, spread across 2 families (Dipodidae, Muridae).

3 species
2 families
39 countries
30 parks
Weight
24 g – 130 g
Length
7 cm – 13 cm
Lifespan
3 – 4 years

Ranges calculated from the entries that record the figure, not from all 3.

All 3 species of jerboas on WAnimals

Each one has its own full entry. This group does not replace them: it brings them together.

Conservation status

3 Least Concern

No species documented in this group is genuinely at risk according to the IUCN, with the data available today.

See the global conservation status

Where they live

Recorded in 39 countries. The ones with the most species in the group:

Where to see them

Did you know…

  • It has the largest ears in proportion to the body of any mammal: they are about a third of its body length.

    From Long-eared Jerboa

  • It was not filmed alive in the wild until 2007, on a Zoological Society of London expedition to the Gobi Desert.

    From Long-eared Jerboa

  • It bounds on its long hind legs much like a small kangaroo, reaching considerable speed to escape night predators.

    From Lesser Egyptian Jerboa

  • It is so well adapted to dryness that it produces very little urine and almost dry droppings, which makes its cages smell far less than those of hamsters or mice.

    From Mongolian Gerbil

  • It marks its territory by rubbing its belly against objects: it has a sebaceous gland there, larger in males, that leaves a scent mark.

    From Mongolian Gerbil

Ecosystems

See every species group · Explore the species one by one