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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.
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