Brush tailed hairy footed gerbil

Introduction: The bushy-tailed hairy-footed gerbil (Gerbillurus vallinus) lives in a natural habitat of dry savannah, temperate grassland and hot deserts. They are highly sociable creatures with 'grooming invitation' gestures and contact between individuals is common. They are known to communicate between each other by drumming their feet on the ground.

This species of gerbil live in burrows located at the base of shrubs, which can retain heat, protect them from predators and act as larders. Nests are built using seed husks and grass. Escape burrows are also a feature.

Distribution: Southern parts of Namibia, central highlands only.

Diet: Although it is largely dependent on ephemeral plants, the bushy-tailed hairy-footed gerbil is an opportunistic herbivore. It will feed on insect exoskeletons, seasonal insects and grasses and seeds found in burrows.

Colouring: Varying from reddish-brown to dark greyish-brown with white underparts, forelimbs and feet.

Size: Head and body length 120mm. Tail 50mm

Weight: 40g