Libyan Jird
Meriones libycus is spread widely across the Middle East and Northern Africa. In Africa they are found mainly in Libya and Egypt, while in Asia they spread as far west as Afghanistan and also into the northern parts of Iran. Meriones libycus lives in the low lying areas of the desert Middle east. The are mainly restricted to the valleys and lowlands and rarely venture into areas of higher elevation. They often make their homes in areas where there is a large amount vegetation present, as plants are a vital source of food. Terrestrial Biomes: desert or dune ; savanna or grassland.
Libyan jird
Meriones libycus, also known as the Libyan Jird, is very similar in size and shape to many other types of jirds. They are 5 to 6 inches long and have a tale that is roughly the same length as the rest of their body. Coloration is variable, but most commonly M. libycus is sandy-colored or yellowish dorsally, with a white or light colored ventral surface.
The feet are almost exclusively white with black nails; however, there can also be a orange colored stripe that runs up the foot in some specimens. The ears are not pigmented,and the tail is usually the same color as the rest of the dorsal surface. The only physical feature that makes the body of the Libyan Jird look any different from any other gerbil species is that in M. libycus the head may be narrower by a small degree.
Reproduction
The exact processes involved in the reproduction of M. libycus in the wild are not well documented. It is assumed that they have reproductive patterns similar to other jirds and gerbils. It is known that they have litters of anywhere from three to six, but this can be highly variable. Most evidence shows that the breeding takes place most heavily in winter, but it is also possible that breeding takes place year-round on a lower level. The gestation period is usually around 20 days, with the newborn young being fully independent after 4-5 weeks.
Behavior
Meriones libycus are highly social animals that live in large groups of individuals. They have many different forms of group behavior, one of these being their ability to give a warning call to others. This call consists of a rapid stomping of the foot, much in the way that a rabbit does. They spend most of their time in the burrows that they construct. When a jird does venture out, for example when foraging, they do so quickly.
When running between burrows, the stick their tails up in the air and rapidly move from one area of cover to the next. They are diurnal in their feeding activity, and they will nap and forage at regular intervals during day and night. M. libycus are very tolerant of humans, and can often live undisturbed in very close proximity to humans. Some individuals in colder northern areas may go into a form of hibernation for the coldest months of the year, but for the most part the species is active year-round. Meriones libycus burrows to build a den. They make shallow tunnels with multiple entrances. These entrances are usually situated near a plant or bush, as the foliage provides some cover.
Food Habits
Meriones libycus eat the seeds of a wide array of grasses in the wild. They also eat some types of leaves, as well as the succulent fruits that can be found in the desert areas in which they live. Which grasses they choose to use as a food source is variable and depends mainly on where the jird is located. In areas that are under human cultivation, they will feed on potato and tomato crops. In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat bread are great treats, in small quantities.
Do NOT feed chocolate, fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without extra waste.
