Dune gerbil

Introduction: The dune hairy-footed gerbil (Gerbillurus tytonis) or Namib Dune Gerbil is a species of rodent found only in Namibia. The dune refers to its natural habitat of temperate desert. The tail is 120% of the total body length. The name tytonis has its origin from the fact that the species was first discovered from skulls found in the pellets of the barn owl,(Tyto alba).

Distribution: The dune hairy-footed gerbil is found in the shifting sand dunes of the Namib Desert south of the Kuiseb River.

Diet: Seeds from grass and bushes.

Colouring: The upper parts of the body are reddish-brown, the under parts pure white. The tail is the same colour as the upper parts of the body.

Breeding: Not known.

Size: Females are 23cm long and weigh around 31g; males 22cm long with a mass of about 28g.