Highveld gerbil

Introduction: Highveld gerbils (Tatera brantsii) burrow furiously to produce warrens. They are a terrestrial, communal and nocturnal species that occur on sandy soils with some scrub or grass cover. They occur in small colonies in interconnecting warrens. Although they are tolerant and communal, the highveld gerbil vocalize during 'mutual upright boxing' bouts, a trait of their aggressive behaviour periods.

Distribution: Central and eastern Namibia.

Diet: An omnivorous creature, it feeds on seeds of grasses, bushes and trees, including acacia, leaves and stems and grasses. The high percentage of insects includes termites. Unusually, it does not hoard food.

Colouring: Their characteristic long, fluffy fur is light reddish-brown, with darker brown streaks. The chin, nose and throat areas are off-white. The tail is dark in the upper regions, gradually going lighter further down.

Breeding: The highveld gerbil breed throughout the year and females produce litters of 3 or 4 after a gestation period of 22 to 23 days.

Size: Overall body length of 270mm. Weight: 80-95g.