Indian_gerbil

Indian gerbil

Indian gerbil

Species of rodent

The Indian gerbil (Tatera indica) also known as antelope rat, is a species of rodent in the family Muridae.

Quick Facts Conservation status, Scientific classification ...

It is found in western and southern Asia, from Syria east through to Bangladesh.[2]

It is the only species in the genus Tatera. Members of the genus Gerbilliscus have, historically, been placed in Tatera.

Description

Head and body length is 17–20 cm. Tail is 20–21 cm. Dorsal surface including entire head is light brown or light brown with rusty wash. Underparts are white. Tail fully furred, dark blackish brown with grayish sides and prominent black tuft on tip. Fur on body soft, sparse underneath; tail fur is longer. Eyes are large and prominent. Bounding gait is distinguished when running.[3]

Reproduction

Both the sexes of this species lives apart. The relation between male and female gerbils is not known yet.[4]

Diet

Omnivorous. Known to eat grains, seeds, plants, roots, insects, reptiles and even small birds and mammals it can catch.[3]

References

  1. [1]
    Kryštufek, B.; Shenbrot, G.; Sozen, M.; Molur, S. (2017). "Tatera indica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T21514A22411969. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T21514A22411969.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. [2]
    "Red List of Bangladesh : Volume 2 : Mammals" (PDF). Portals.iucn.org. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
  3. [3]
    Yapa, A.; Ratnavira, G. (2013). Mammals of Sri Lanka. Colombo: Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. p. 1012. ISBN 978-955-8576-32-8.
  4. [4]
    Stephanie Mott. "ADW: Tatera indica: INFORMATION". Animaldiversity.org. Retrieved 30 May 2015.

Other sources


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