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Fat-tailed Jird

Fat-tailed Jird

Western Sahara, Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
Status
Least Concern

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Desert

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
roots, leaves, forest seeds, and occasional insects

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
nocturnal and crepuscular

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Descriptive notes. Head — body 93 - 120 mm, tail 55 - 65 mm, ear 12 - 16 mm, hindfoot 22 - 24 mm; weight 22 - 65 g. The Fat-tailed Jird has appearance of a middle-sized gerbil with sandy-yellow to gray dorsal pelage and a white belly, but has short limbs and short tail (tail 50 - 55 % of head-body length). Tail is pink, thick, and naked. White patches of hair are found on chin, throat, lips, and muzzle, the hairs long and shaggy. Skull is characterized by a very large braincase and inflated tympanic bullae (latter c. 47 % of maximum length of skull). Chromosomal complement has 2 n = 54, FNa = 62.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Fat-tailed Jird is officially designated as Least Concern. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to desert, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of roots, leaves, forest seeds, and occasional insects. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a nocturnal and crepuscular activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 3 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Fat-tailed Jird.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeWestern Sahara, Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
Habitat RangeDesert
Lifespan3 Yrs
StatusLeast Concern
ScientificPachyuromys duprasi
Registry Info
Lifespan3 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyMuridae